Alexander Blessin has left his position as head coach of FC St. Pauli, the club confirmed following their relegation from the Bundesliga. The departure comes one year before the end of his contract, bringing an end to a two-year spell with the Hamburg-based side.
According to Bild, the decision was reached due to disagreements over the future direction of the club. Blessin arrived at St. Pauli ahead of the 2022-23 season, replacing Fabian Hürzeler who moved to Brighton & Hove Albion. He successfully guided the club to promotion from 2. Bundesliga, returning them to the top flight after a period in the second tier.
St. Pauli ultimately finished 15th in the Bundesliga this season, triggering a relegation playoff against Karlsruher SC. They lost the playoff 3-2 on aggregate, confirming their return to 2. Bundesliga. Blessin’s tenure saw a period of relative stability for the club, known for its unique fan culture and historically unconventional approach to football.
Prior to joining St. Pauli, Blessin managed Ludogorets Razgrad in Bulgaria, where he won the league title in the 2020-21 season. He also had a spell as head coach of Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, guiding them to promotion to the Jupiler Pro League. His coaching career began in Germany with youth teams at Werder Bremen and Hamburger SV, before moving into assistant roles at various clubs.
The immediate future of St. Pauli is now focused on finding a replacement for Blessin ahead of the new 2. Bundesliga season. The club will likely seek a manager who shares their vision for a sustainable and community-focused approach to football, while also possessing the tactical acumen to challenge for promotion. Blessin’s departure marks a significant change for St. Pauli as they prepare for life back in the second tier.
