It is a match between Bayrecker and Gehart that is already more of a grit than a glamour match at the BayArena on Saturday. The hosts know the stakes. A victory keeps their bid to secure a top four in bundesliga very alive. But the touchline message is obvious. I am not talking of fireworks on a continuous basis.
Head coach Kasper Hjulmand has been sincere with the task at hand. He confessions that his team is incapable of performing 90 minutes of champagne football. This will be a tussle battle. It will demand patience. It will demand discipline.
St. Pauli was already beaten by Leverkusen 3-0 in the DFB-Pokal. League football tells otherwise. The latest draw 1-1 against Borussia Monchengladbach demonstrated cracks. Performances have dipped. The expectations though, are high.
The tension is explained by the numbers. Leverkusen also stand at 36 points in 20 games. That is solid. But it is nine less than the previous season at the same stage. It was only two recent campaigns that managed to do better. This is the situation that contributes to the criticism. It also fuels belief.
A complete week in the training ground can be crucial. Hjulmand made use of the time to re-establish ideas. Defensive structure. Ball control. Attacking balance. He desires bursts but not anarchy all the way through.
A lot may be dependent on Patrik Schick. The forward has failed to score within the past four leagues. That is rare for him. Still, he enjoys this matchup. He has already picked twice in three matches against St. Pauli.
The visitors have a threat of their own. Danel Sinani is in form. Back to back games have boosted confidence through goals. The biggest weapon of St. Pauli is set pieces. A half of their league goals come that way.
