FC St. Pauli starts the 2. Bundesliga season with open questions FC St. Pauli is on the verge of the new 2. Bundesliga season, but some questions remain unanswered. After two years in the Bundesliga, where the Kiezkickers finished in 18th place with 26 points (6 wins, 8 draws, 20 losses), the focus is now on shaping the team for the new challenge. ## Who will be the new captain? One of the most pressing questions concerns the captain's role. Jackson Irvine (33) was absent from team training on Tuesday, fueling speculation about his future in this position. The Australian instead completed an individual session. Coach Marcel Rapp has yet to decide whether Irvine will be reinstated as captain or a new leader will be appointed. ## Injury setback for Rawley St. John Bad news for FC St. Pauli: Rawley St. John (21) will not be available for the time being. The Australian suffered a meniscus injury in his right knee during the friendly match against Deportivo de A Coruña and could be sidelined for several weeks. ## Martijn Kaars scores from distance In the friendly match against Deportivo de A Coruña (2:2), Martijn Kaars demonstrated his scoring ability. The striker scored from approximately 19 meters into the right corner, marking his second long-range goal in pre-season. Kaars benefits from the more offensive style of play under coach Marcel Rapp. ## New signing Rony Jansson strengthens the defense One week before the season starts, FC St. Pauli has signed a new right-back, Rony Jansson (22). The Finland-born player arrives from Kalmar FF and is expected to bolster the defense.