Episode description

Result: Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-0 FC St. Pauli

Date: 25th November 2024

This briefing doc analyses FC St. Pauli’s 2-0 defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach, drawing insights from two sources:

1. MillernTon Blog: A detailed match report from a fan blog dedicated to FC St. Pauli.
2. St. POP auf dem Bökelberg: A podcast episode discussing the game featuring live audio recordings from fans at the stadium.

Main Themes:

• St. Pauli’s frustrating inability to convert good performances into goals: Despite matching Gladbach for large parts of the game, particularly in the second half, St. Pauli’s lack of cutting edge in the final third proved costly.
• Tactical analysis of Blessin’s approach: The sources discuss coach Alexander Blessin’s tactics, highlighting the team’s solid build-up play and effective pressing but questioning his late substitutions and the team’s struggles in transition.
• Lack of attacking threat and the need for a clinical striker: The absence of injured attacking players was felt, and both sources lament the lack of a physical presence and clinical finisher in the box.
• Positive signs in build-up and defensive solidity: Despite the defeat, there were positives in St. Pauli’s performance, especially their organised defence and ability to control possession for spells.
• Looking ahead to a crucial match against Kiel: The upcoming game against fellow strugglers Holstein Kiel is labelled a “must-win” and a potential turning point in the season.

Key Insights and Quotes:

• St. Pauli’s familiar story of missed opportunities: “It’s somewhat tiring that things are repeating themselves. Once again, St. Pauli kept up with an established Bundesliga team, this time Borussia Mönchengladbach. Once again, the opponent could only score through isolated scenes, by no means did they run FCSP dizzy. But again, these isolated scenes did exist.” - MillernTon Blog
• Gladbach’s deliberate approach to the game: “We deliberately gave St. Pauli the ball at times to be able to counter-attack.” - Julian Weigl (Gladbach midfielder), as quoted in the MillernTon Blog
• Lack of a focal point in attack: “Irvine crosses, but when he crosses, there’s no one in the penalty area who can head the ball.” - Commentator on the AFM Radio, as quoted in the St. POP
• Blessin’s cautious tactics: “I get the feeling that you don’t take the risk, you don’t overload on one side or the other. You either have presence on the wings, but then it’s missing in the penalty area.” - Erik (St. POP podcast host)
• Concerns over squad depth and calls for investment: “In December, FCSP will probably have to decide whether, in addition to the uninvested income from TV money and transfer proceeds, the income from the cooperative would not be better invested in the team, because staying up would be worth so, so, so much more.” - Betamax65 (Mastodon user), as quoted in the St. POP podcast

Overall:

The sources paint a picture of a St. Pauli side performing admirably against strong opposition but ultimately failing to take their chances. The lack of a clinical striker is a major concern, and questions are being raised about whether Blessin’s cautious tactics are holding the team back. With a crucial game against Kiel looming, St. Pauli need to find a way to turn performances into points, and the debate about potential investment in the squad is only likely to intensify.

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