Overview
- Kovac said Maximilian Beier has earned the starting role and that Karim Adeyemi must be patient for his next opportunity.
- Adeyemi featured only as a late substitute in the 3–3 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt and the 3–0 win over Werder Bremen.
- Adeyemi’s strong autumn return of six goals and three assists has been clouded by off-field issues, including the “Mystery Box” affair and refusals to shake hands after substitutions.
- For the St. Pauli match, Ramy Bensebaini is out with the flu, Marcel Sabitzer has calf problems, and Aaron Anselmino remains sidelined with a thigh injury.
- Kovac warned that St. Pauli defend compactly and noted Dortmund let a 3–1 lead slip in the first meeting that finished 3–3.