"A BITTER AFTERNOON FOR US" – THE POST-MATCH REACTION
Sunday, 28. January 2018, 18:09 Uhr
A positive run of seven points from three games came to an end on Sunday afternoon with the 1-0 home defeat against Darmstadt. Accordingly, the mood in the camp was one of disappointment afterwards.
Uwe Stöver (director of sport): "We weren't forceful enough in front of goal even though the chances were there to at least get a draw. After the recent performances it's obviously frustrating to come away empty-handed. Whenever we got down the flanks either Darmstadt were able to get it clear or we weren't organised well enough. It was difficult for the strikers in the second half. Ether Sulu, Niemeyer or another defender headed the long balls away or they packed the defence so tightly, we couldn't find a way through."
Johannes Flum: "We lacked punch today. We had a few opportunities but overall we didn't work our way through well. At Dresden we took the few chances we had, today, unfortunately, we didn't. We probably could have played all night. I don't think it was down to freshness because we didn't chase Darmstadt. The defeat is no one's fault but our own. It's extremely disappointing."
Aziz Bouhaddouz: "We started well but went behind from Darmstadt's first attempt and had to chase the game after that. We had our chances, but the ball wouldn't go in, and that includes me. We were the better side, but the result is the only thing that counts in the end. As such, it was a bitter afternoon for us."
Christopher Avevor: "We did a lot of things right. After we went behind the attitude of the team was outstanding. We had enough chances, including one or two excellent ones. We all have to get better in front of goal.“
Clemens Schoppenhauer: "It was a great feeling for me to make my first start at the Millerntor, of course, so it's all the more frustrating to lose the game. Overall, apart from the situation that led to the goal, when we didn't move well as a unit, it was a good performance against an awkward Darmstadt side. After that we kept pushing forward and created chances but unfortunately we couldn't get the goal."
Dimitrios Diamantakos: "I'm sad we lost the game, of course. We kept pressing after we went behind but couldn't make the decisive breakthrough. The atmosphere was awesome. I hope we can give the fans three points next time. The lads have made me feel very welcome. They came up to me right away and included me in everything."
Aytac Sulu (SV Darmstadt 98): "It was a very tough, intensive game and a tremendously important win for us. After 15 games without a win we've won again at last and not only that we kept a clean sheet."
Peter Niemeyer (SV Darmstadt 98): "This is an important win. Everything becomes easier after a game like that and you forget the pain. It wasn't all roses. We scored an early goal and defended our lead with everything we had. Everyone puts their ego aside because you can only be successful together. St. Pauli did well today. We have our goalkeeper to thank for the win."
Heuer Fernandes (SV Darmstadt 98): "The feeling is a mixture of joy and relief, but mainly relief. We're happy no more goals went in. Today was a good day even if it's not all perfect yet."
Photos: Witters