Out of the DFB Cup
Hürzeler protects Pauli keeper Burchert
Can’t save the penalty shot to make it 0-1: St. Pauli goalkeeper Sascha Burchert. photo
© Christian Charisius/dpa
St. Pauli’s goalkeeper Burchert played his part in the two goals conceded in the cup exit against Düsseldorf. Coach Hürzeler protects his goalkeeper.
After the exit from the DFB Cup, St. Pauli’s coach Fabian Hürzeler was protective of the goalkeeper Sascha Burchert asked.
“Mistakes happen. And I don’t blame Sascha in particular because he tried everything. I don’t think he wants to let the ball bounce,” said the 30-year-old after being eliminated in the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup.
The Kiez club – currently leaders in the 2nd Bundesliga – lost 3:4 to second division rivals Fortuna Düsseldorf after a dramatic penalty shootout and missed out on their second place in the semi-finals since 2006. Burchert was responsible for the penalty before Vincent Vermeij made it 0-1 (38th minute). A long-range shot that he unfortunately blocked forward put Ao Tanaka (99th) in the goal.
Burchert himself described the evening as an emotional “rollercoaster.” The 34-year-old from Hertha BSC’s youth team saved another shot in the penalty shootout. “He is so important to me, he has my complete trust,” assured Hürzeler and reiterated: “He has my total support because he is not only extremely important to me as a player, but also as a person. We will continue to benefit from him Benefit from experience.”