Bundesliga: St. Pauli Remains Cautious Amid Potential Safety, Blessin Warns
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Rapidly Obtained Coaching Position for Blessin: Warnings Remain - Near miss for St. Pauli, caution from coach Blessin remains
On the brink of the showdown against VfB Stuttgart, Alexander Blessin won't shrink from keeping a keen eye on the live results of another game: 1. FC Heidenheim against VfL Bochum. The results of this contest will decide whether Blessin's FC St. Pauli has almost secured its continued presence in the Bundesliga or if there's still work to be done for Hamburg.
"We're aiming to close this journey now," Blessin declared in the pre-match press conference for the game on Saturday (3:30 PM/Sky) versus Stuttgart. "We recognize the conditions with what's taking place on Friday. Of course, we'll be keeping tabs. But we're in control of our own destiny."
Pre-match security or still a fight?
The state of play before the 32nd matchday: If Bochum delivers a victory in the relegation battle in Heidenheim on Friday evening, Hamburg will be well on its way to safety before the confrontation against the runner-up of the league and the DFB-Pokal finalist.
In this situation, the gap to Heidenheim in 16th place would remain six points, and St. Pauli's goal difference would be at least eighteen goals superior. Given the improbable nature of Heidenheim making up the deficit in the last two league games of the season, it would be almost impossible.
Blessin: "Still engaged in the battle against relegation"
St. Pauli has fought its way to this impressive position. In the last seven games, the Kiezkicker have only lost once, against FC Bayern Munich (2:3), and have won twice and drawn four times. However, Blessin still sees the 14th-placed team as far from its goal.
"We're still fighting against relegation. Having a six-point advantage doesn't give me a secure feeling," said the 51-year-old. "I have unwavering faith in my team, and I know that we can achieve it. But it's still crunch time, and there are fewer games left. It's essential to maintain focus now. I'm still the one reminding everyone."
A native of Stuttgart, Blessin didn't express any contentment at the prospect of his team potentially defeating VfB Stuttgart twice in the same season – St. Pauli won 1:0 in Stuttgart in the initial part of the season.
"Every win in the Bundesliga is worth relishing, and you can delight in it," he emphasized. "And we certainly intend to enjoy another one this weekend. But I don't derive much satisfaction from it, saying, 'Wow, we defeated VfB twice, that feels great!' I don't have any special bond with it."
- Alexander Blessin
- St. Pauli
- Bundesliga
- Stuttgart
- FC St. Pauli
- VfB Stuttgart
- Hamburg
- Heidenheim
- 1. FC Heidenheim
- VfL Bochum
- Bochum
- Sky
Enrichment Data:
In Depth:
Impact on 1. FC Heidenheim
- A Win would bolster Heidenheim's standing, potentially moving them ahead of St. Pauli if St. Pauli loses or draws their next encounter. This would increase Heidenheim's chances of avoiding the relegation playoff spot.
- A Draw would help Heidenheim maintain their distance from Bochum but would still leave them under pressure to improve their position relative to St. Pauli.
- A Loss would leave Heidenheim facing immense relegation pressure, potentially dropping them behind St. Pauli in the rankings if St. Pauli captures victory in their next match, and making the relegation playoff spot or even automatic relegation more likely.
Impact on FC St. Pauli
- A Heidenheim win would compel St. Pauli to secure points in their upcoming matches to preserve a safe margin from the relegation zone, particularly if Heidenheim begins to close the gap.
- A Heidenheim draw or loss would benefit St. Pauli, as it would grant them room to breathe while they ensure their safety with positive results in their remaining games.
- The Commission, in light of the current situation, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation.
- Alexander Blessin, despite his success with St. Pauli in the Bundesliga, remains cautious amid potential relegation risks, warning his team to maintain focus in their final matches.
- On Saturday, St. Pauli will face Stuttgart in a crucial match, with the potential for a double victory over their opponents this season offering little satisfaction to Blessin, who maintains an unwavering focus on securing safety for his team.
- In the Bundesliga, the protection of workers from ionizing radiation is not the only concern- bundesliga clubs also have to deal with the pressure of relegation battles and the excitement of local derbies.
