FC St. Pauli struggles with lack of youth development – close cooperation to aid

FC St. Pauli faces a challenge: No homegrown talent has played in the first team for 28 months. The U23's relegation to Regionalliga Nord and the narrow survival due to TSV 1860 Munich's forced relegation worsen the situation. League standing: 18th in Bundesliga, 26 pts, 6W-8D-20L from 34 games.

Why are there no talents in the first team?

In the last two top-flight seasons, no homegrown player appeared on the pitch. The last homegrown player to feature was Eric da Silva Moreira 28 months ago in the Second League. The team's precarious relegation situation was often cited as the reason, but in the Second League, opportunities for young players could increase. Marwin Schmitz, Nick Schmidt, and Wissou Kaba are three homegrown players in the first team, but their playing time remains uncertain.

How should the U23 bounce back?

After the sporting relegation, Alexander Hahn took over the U23. The 37-year-old, who previously worked as an analyst at HSV and assistant coach at Greuther Fürth and Holstein Kiel, wants the U23 to 'rock the Regionalliga'. Hahn maintains close ties with head coach Marcel Rapp, which should advance youth development. 'We exchange ideas daily and talk a lot about the players,' Hahn said. The U23 serves as a foundation for the first team to test talents.

Which talents could break through?

Marwin Schmitz, who recorded seven goal contributions in 21 games in the weak U23 season, has the best prospects for a first-team appearance. In the test matches, he was able to present himself. With closer cooperation between Rapp and Hahn, the collaboration should bear fruit. League standing: 18th in Bundesliga, 26 pts, 6W-8D-20L from 34 games, next fixture vs Karlsruher SC (at home, 2026-10-10).