Kohfeldt demands Darmstadt response ahead of St. Pauli clash

SV Darmstadt 98 host unbeaten FC St. Pauli on Friday evening (18:30), with coach Florian Kohfeldt demanding an immediate response after a catastrophic performance. His side lost 4-0 at Karlsruher SC last matchday, a display Kohfeldt labelled a total failure from A to Z. "That was a catastrophic performance by us from A to Z," the 44-year-old said in his analysis. For FC St. Pauli, seventh in the 2. Bundesliga with 11 points, it's a chance to extend their positive run of two wins and three draws from the last five games.

Kohfeldt left no doubt about the required consequences after the Karlsruhe debacle. "No pity needed," was his clear message to the team led by captain Marcel Schuhen. The coach criticised a lack of seriousness and willingness to run, demanding a performance befitting their serious league position. Darmstadt, bottom of the table, have earned all seven of their points at home this season and won their last two home games. This positive home record is the foundation the Lilies want to build on against the strong visitors from Hamburg.

St. Pauli's settled strength

FC St. Pauli travel with the momentum of an unbeaten streak. Fabian Hürzeler's team are undefeated in their last five league matches, most recently drawing 1-1 at Hannover 96. The equaliser in first-half stoppage time by Abdoulie Ceesay, who leads the team with four goals this season, underlined the side's morale and fighting spirit once again. Kohfeldt himself warned of the opponent's quality, describing them as "settled, individually strong players" who underwent a notably small overhaul after relegation from the Bundesliga. He highlighted St. Pauli's crossing strength as the best in the league, which will be a central challenge for the home defence.

The current league standings illustrate the differing situations: St. Pauli sit solidly in mid-table with 11 points, just two points off the promotion places, while Darmstadt fight in 17th against direct relegation. FC St. Pauli are yet to win an away game this season, adding extra motivation to secure a first three points on the road.

Friday's game at the Stadion am Böllenfalltor is significant for both sides. Darmstadt need to shake off the Karlsruhe shock and leverage their home advantage once more. For St. Pauli, it's the opportunity to finally turn positive away draws at Cottbus and Hannover into a victory and put pressure on the top group. The match kicks off on 23 October at 18:30.

First reported at Hit Radio FFH