FC St. Pauli has had a disappointing start to the new year, having lost 1-2 against Wolfsburg in their last match. Today, FC St. Pauli visits BVB in Dortmund, where the team desperately needs points to survive the relegation battle. The season opener in August was promising, with St. Pauli managing a 3-3 draw against Dortmund. However, the current situation is alarming, as the club sits in 17th place in the Bundesliga with only twelve points from 16 matches. Coach Alexander Blessin emphasizes that playing in Dortmund is a highlight, but the team must improve their performance to compete against a strong opponent. Hauke Wahl expressed optimism after the loss to Wolfsburg, but the reality is different. St. Pauli has defensive issues and must learn from their mistakes to avoid slipping further down the table. The absence of captain Jackson Irvine is a significant blow, as his return had previously had a positive impact on the team's performance. Coach Blessin is even considering short-term transfers to strengthen the squad.