FC St. Pauli is set to face Hertha BSC in a friendly match this Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 15:30, taking place at the Stadion auf dem Wurfplatz in Berlin. The contest comes during the international break and presents a valuable opportunity for sidelined players to gain crucial playing time.
Head coach Alexander Blessin expressed his optimism for the impending fixture, particularly in light of injuries that have limited his squad. Notably, Connor Metcalfe and Robert Wagner are both anticipated to make their returns to action following lengthy spells on the sidelines. “The test match is important for us, especially regarding reintegration. Connor and Robert should give it their all for 45 minutes, and then we are good to go,” Blessin stated.
St. Pauli enters this friendly buoyed by their recent performance, having secured a 1-0 victory against TSG Hoffenheim last Friday, which Blessin described as a rewarding outcome after a challenging stretch. He remarked, “We had a little dry spell where we didn’t perform badly. Today, we were rewarded.” With eight tough matches remaining in the league, the team is eager to maintain momentum.
While Metcalfe last played in late September during a 3-0 win against Freiburg, Wagner is returning for his first match since suffering an injury during a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in November. Both players are crucial as St. Pauli aims to build a resilient squad heading into the season's critical juncture.
However, St. Pauli will be without key players this Wednesday. Nikola Vasilj, Jackson Irvine, Danel Sinani, Elias Saad, and Abdoulie Ceesay are away on international duty, while Eric Smith is being rested due to patellar tendon pain. Blessin confirmed, “We will be cautious with our players’ workloads. Most will play 45 minutes, a few will play 60 minutes, and only Ben Voll in goal and defender Adam Dzwigala are expected to play the entire match.” Voll, stepping in for the full 90 minutes, will showcase his skills against the second-tier side, offering a test of his capabilities in a competitive environment.
On the opposing side, Hertha BSC is coming off a triumphant 5-1 win against Eintracht Braunschweig, which marked a significant relief after enduring a challenging stretch that included four consecutive losses. This match showcased Hertha's determination under new head coach Stefan Leitl, who replaced the dismissed Christian Fiél. The players' spirits are reportedly high as they seek to build on this victory and create further distance from relegation threats. Leitl acknowledged the importance of the upcoming friendly, seeing it as more than just a training exercise.
As for the match logistics, admission is free for spectators looking to support their teams in person, with an optional donation to benefit the football academy of Hertha BSC. For those unable to attend, the encounter will be live-streamed on YouTube, starting at 15:15, allowing fans worldwide to tune in. This friendly serves as a critical moment for the players who have not seen much action, particularly amidst a crowded schedule.
The atmosphere at the Stadion auf dem Wurfplatz is sure to be abuzz with excitement, as FC St. Pauli looks to make the most of this unique opportunity amid the international break. Fans are encouraged to rally behind both teams, as they head into a vital match for various reasons—some to regain fitness, others to cement their places in the squad as the season progresses.
With Blessin keenly aware of the intensity expected from Hertha, he remains focused on ensuring his players adapt well during the match. The head coach sees this as a critical test, saying, “They view this as much more than a friendly match. They see it as a true test match, and that excites me.” As such, both teams anticipate a competitive duel that will not only enhance their readiness for the league challenges ahead but will also provide fans with thrilling football action.
