Spari: “I really wanted to take the challenge on”
Saturday, 12. July 2025, 09:00 Uhr
The Boys in Brown began their pre-season preparations just over a week ago, among them goalkeeper Simon Spari. One of eight new recruits, he moved to the Millerntor from Austria Klagenfurt. After training on Friday, Spari took time out to answer questions from the media.
Simon Spari on…
...his first impressions and the “Austria connection” with Jannik Robatsch and David Nemeth: “I took a lot from the first week. I’ve known Jannik a while now but only met David here. It’s nice when you have some fellow countrymen in the squad, but we haven’t really had a chance to chat yet.”
...moving to FC St. Pauli: “It’s a big step, but I knew that from the start. When you get the chance to move from Austria to a club in one of the Big Five leagues, you have to take it. I’m at an age where I still have potential to develop, which is why I really wanted to take the challenge on.”
...his role in the goalkeeper team: “My first aim is to adapt fully to the training intensity and everything else. When I’ve done that, I want to push the other two lads to the limit. When the time comes and I’m in the team, I really want to the help the team.”
…his first appearance against Firrel: “I was delighted to play in the first friendly and I’m glad I did a good job. Every clean sheet is good for your confidence.“
Simon Spari clearly enjoyed the friendly against GW Firrel.
...looking forward to the Millerntor atmosphere: “I can’t wait. You can’t compare the Bundesliga with Austria, where there are only four clubs with more than 10,000 fans.”
...his time in the youth setup at Karlsruher SC under former St. Pauli player Zlatan Bajramović: “We haven’t had any contact. I had him for a year at KSC and then he moved up to the senior squad. The season ended early because of Covid. I learned a lot at Karlsruhe. It was a very difficult time but also an instructive one. The experience of being in Germany before is helping me now.”
...relegation with Austria Klagenfurt: “It wasn’t easy. It was a season to toughen you up against certain circumstances.“
...the Austria Under-21 team: “I’d have been at the European Championship if we’d qualified, but I’m too old for the Under-21s now.”
...his girlfriend Alina, who he got engaged to in April: “She hasn’t joined me yet because she still has a valid contract of employment. She’ll come up as soon as it’s expired.”
Photos: FC St. Pauli/Witters
