Thomas Reis: Pleased that we have so many good options for this position

St. Pauli, currently sixth in the table, are unbeaten still this season (W2, D4). However, S04’s last opponents, 1. FC Magdeburg, were also undefeated prior to facing Schalke last matchday, with Thomas Reis’ team running out 4-3 winners in spectacular fashion. Reis and his players have since analysed that game in detail: “We didn’t play well for a large part of that game and deserved to be behind. However, the 60 minutes after that were fantastic because we gave everything we could to avoid defeat and to create dangerous moments in the final third.”

Focus required from the first minute

Reis now wants his players to perform like that from the first minute in Hamburg. “There’s no doubt that this will be a tough game. FC St. Pauli have been really good so far and recorded a big win last time out. They play good football and are versatile too,” praised the head coach. “However, we don’t want to solely focus on our opponents; we need to concentrate on ourselves too. We’re obviously preparing to face FC St. Pauli and their strengths and weaknesses, which is exactly what they will be doing too. We need to find a good mix so that we can play successful football and get a positive result.”

Reis would not yet reveal who would replace the injured Marius Müller in goal. The 30-year-old shot-stopper has undergone a successful operation after tearing a tendon in his adductor. “I will speak to the goalkeepers before we announce our decision,” explained Reis. “Michael Langer did well after coming on against Magdeburg. In Justin Heekeren, we have a young goalkeeper playing regularly in the U23s, who is pushing to play now too. I’m pleased that we have so many good options for this position.”

Ralf Fährmann remains unavailable after missing the game last week due to an Achilles tendon issue and hasn’t returned to team training over the past few days. Simon Terodde and Danny Latza will also remain on the sidelines following their absence against Magdeburg. “Both of them aren’t quite ready,” reported the 49-year-old coach.

Schallenberg returns from suspension

Bryan Lasme and Kenan Karaman are both still not fit to play either, though they are making good progress. “Bryan worked with the team on the pitch again for the first time this week,” said Reis. The 24-year-old could return against Paderborn next week. According to Reis, Karaman is increasing his workload with each day and will return to team training soon. Leo Greiml is still recovering from the ACL injury he suffered in pre-season.

One positive bit of news for Reis is that Ron Schallenberg is eligible to play again. The defensive midfielder has now served his two-game suspension for a red card against Holstein Kiel. Reis hasn’t yet decided if the 24-year-old will return to the starting XI or not. “I’m happy that Ron is back and I have another option for our midfield. He was always in the side before his absence, but there is no guarantee that he will just walk back into the side now.”