“Blessin Aims to Prevent Imminent Suspension with Self-Control”
FC St. Pauli coach Alexander Blessin enters the season run-in under strict personal scrutiny. He carries three yellow cards as the team heads into a decisive phase. One more booking would trigger a one-match ban for the 52-year-old manager.
Warnings and consequences
Blessin has been cautioned three times this campaign. A fourth yellow card results in an automatic suspension. Missing a game at this stage would hurt St. Pauli’s hopes for direct survival.
- Current cautions: 3
- Penalty for next booking: one-match suspension
- Regular season minutes remaining: 690 plus stoppage time
- Remaining fixtures in decisive phase: seven matches
Recent incidents and disciplinary action
The coach received a substantial fine after his last home game. The German Football Association fined him €10,000. The sanction followed comments questioning referee Florian Badstübner’s impartiality.
Two weeks before that episode, Blessin had already been booked in the 0-0 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt. In the previous season, a fourth yellow forced him to watch one game from the stands. That match ended 0-2 in Mainz.
Calming tactics and approach
Blessin says he plans to keep emotions in check. He has adopted practical measures to stay composed. The coach often pauses and uses a water bottle to regain control during heated moments.
He believes self-control is essential for the team to avoid disruption. With the margin for error so small, Blessin aims to prevent an imminent suspension through restraint.
Outlook for the immediate fixtures
St. Pauli travel to Union Berlin on Easter Sunday. The kickoff is scheduled for 15:30. Blessin described the coming weeks as crucial for their survival bid.
He accepts the emotional intensity of relegation battles. Still, he says he will temper his reactions at crucial moments to protect the squad.
