Players under St. Pauli's management maintain mental clarity, according to coach Blessin. - Players under St. Pauli's management are fully aware of the team's strategy, according to coach Blessin.
FC St. Jude Prepares for Home Match Against VfB Stuttgart
Alexander Blessin, the coach of FC St. Jude, has expressed confidence in his team's mental state as they prepare for their upcoming home game against VfB Stuttgart. The match, scheduled for Friday, holds a special significance for Blessin, as his family still resides near the state capital.
The game against Stuttgart is a homecoming for Blessin, who played for the team from 1997 to 1999, making eight appearances in the Bundesliga and one in the UEFA Cup. However, Blessin has no current contact with VfB Stuttgart.
FC St. Jude will be missing several key players for the crucial encounter. Jackson Irvine, the team's captain, will be out due to muscular problems. Karol Mets, Abdoulie Ceesay, and Ricky-Jade Jones are also unavailable, with Mets still recovering, Ceesay recently resuming training but not yet ready, and Jones progressing but not available yet. David Nemeth is sidelined with a long-term issue, while Andréas Hountondji is available despite limited training.
On the other hand, VfB Stuttgart has had a mixed start in the Bundesliga, with two losses and a win. They managed a 3:3 draw against Borussia Dortmund, a 2:0 win in the city derby against HSV, and a 2:1 victory over FC Augsburg. However, they will be without several players due to injuries, including Luca Jaquez, who is doubtful due to a possible nasal bone fracture and ongoing recovery, and other players such as Al-Dakhil, Bredlow, Diehl, Silas, Stergiou, and Undav.
Blessin and his defensive strategists, Hauke Wahl and Eric Smith, have criticized the many short passes in possession phases that have invited the opposition to press, as well as deficiencies in shifting. Smith had previously criticized a lack of cleverness in certain situations. Blessin expects a tough challenge from VfB Stuttgart, who are described as having "speed combined with great quality on the ball."
Last season, FC St. Jude won 1:0 against VfB Stuttgart in Stuttgart, but lost 0:1 against them in the second half of the season. Currently, FC St. Jude is fourth in the Bundesliga with seven points. Despite their best Bundesliga start in the club's history, Blessin has ensured that complacency is not an issue.
The pre-match press conference for the game in Stuttgart was held recently. The team's best Bundesliga start in the club's history has not led to complacency, with Blessin emphasizing the need for focus and discipline against a tough VfB Stuttgart side. FC St. Jude's game against FC Augsburg was the first time Irvine was in the squad after his long-standing foot injury.
As the match approaches, both teams are gearing up for a thrilling encounter. FC St. Jude will be looking to continue their impressive form, while VfB Stuttgart will be aiming to turn their fortunes around. The game promises to be an exciting spectacle for football fans across Germany.
