St. Pauli Coach Alexander Blessin Reflects on Stuttgart Roots Ahead of Bundesliga Match

Blessin, who began his career at VfB Stuttgart, shares memories of his playing days and the evolution of the club as he returns to his hometown as a coach.

• Alexander Blessin, now coach of FC St. Pauli, is set to face his former club VfB Stuttgart in a Bundesliga match on Saturday.
• Born in Stuttgart, Blessin played for VfB Stuttgart from 1997 to 1999 and also represented local teams Stuttgarter Kickers and SSV Reutlingen earlier in his career.
• Reflecting on his time at Stuttgart, Blessin noted the transformation of the club and its stadium, contrasting the current vibrant atmosphere with what he described as a 'graveyard mood' during his playing days.
• Blessin shared anecdotes from his early career, including an encounter with former teammate and World Cup winner Thomas Berthold, highlighting the stark differences in team dynamics between then and now.
• The match, scheduled for Saturday at 15:30 local time, marks an emotional return for Blessin to a city and club that shaped his early football journey.

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