Hamburg/Magdeburg – That was not implied! Completely surprising was Betim Fazliji (23) in the starting line-up of the FC St. Pauli at the 1 FC Magdeburg (2:1).
Betim Fazliji (23) played solidly, but couldn’t really convince. © Imago / Jan Huebner
In only his sixth start, the Kosovar benefited from Eric Smith’s (26) short-term absence, who had to pass due to muscular problems. Depending on the situation, Fazliji took over his role in the center of defense or in defensive midfield.
At the beginning, Fazliji, who only played one minute in the second half of the season, didn’t notice the lack of match practice. From time to time the defender acted unhappily – also at 0:1.
After a bad pass from Leart Paqarada (28), the 23-year-old slipped and let opponent Amara Condé (26) run, who was able to serve the goalscorer Baris Atik (28) unhindered.
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But in the end this error remained without consequence. “We showed mentality,” Fazliji said happily. “In tight games, the last will often decides and we had that today. That’s the way it has to be.”
Especially in the first half, Magdeburg made life difficult for the Kiezkicker. “They have excellent individual players,” he acknowledged. “Especially in their own stadium, they are difficult to play.”
Especially before and after the break, the brown and whites could also thank their keeper, who thwarted good FCM chances. “Nikola also made excellent saves twice today and kept us in the game.”
The 23-year-old had big problems with Magdeburg’s Baris Atik (28). © Christian Modla/dpa
But coach Fabian Hürzeler (29) found the right words during the break. According to the defender, St. Pauli acted much more courageously in the second half. “We played a lot more forward and were cheekier with the ball,” explained Fazliji. In his opinion, the second goal for the brown and white team was logical.
In addition, Hürzeler brought in Maurides (28), a player who changed the statics of the game a little. “With him on the pitch, we had another target player up front, who can clap the ball great and has physicality. He really demonstrated the strengths he has on the pitch today,” Fazliji praised his team-mate .
At the end of the 90 minutes, the 2:1 was the fourth success in a row. “It gives us confidence,” admitted the 23-year-old. “But we’re taking it game by game. We want to develop a ‘winning mentality’, keep going, step on the gas and strive for success.”
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Whether Fazliji ran against Hansa Rostock from the start next weekendwill depend on the severity of Smith’s injury.
