St. Pauli celebrates: Dramatic Zitter Cup victory against Norderstedt!
St. Pauli secures the Zitter Cup against Norderstedt on penalties – coach Blessin praises Danel Sinani.

St. Pauli celebrates: Dramatic Zitter Cup victory against Norderstedt!
St. Pauli won the Zitter Cup on August 18, 2025 and won the exciting duel against Eintracht Norderstedt 3-2 on penalties. The team was particularly offensive and dominated the game with 41 shots on goal and a high ball possession of 78 percent. Despite the superiority, 24 corners remained unused - an aspect that coach Alexander Blessin addressed in the debriefing.
Danel Sinani, who plays a central role behind the strikers, stood out for his activity and his ability to create chances. However, in several situations (23rd, 52nd, 73rd minute) he failed due to the strong Norderstedt goalkeeper Lars Huxsohl. After the game, Sinani said he didn't have the words to adequately analyze the game. Nevertheless, Blessin was satisfied with Sinani's development and praised him as a "floating ten".
Coach's words
Despite the praise, Blessin also issued a clear warning. He criticized Sinani for sometimes acting too playfully, which could lead to him not showing the necessary precision in crucial moments. In particular, the coach claimed that Sinani needed to be more careful in his set pieces to improve the team's chances.
Blessin's strategy focuses on the further development of players, especially Sinani, who is considered a talented but still learning player. The combination of attacking pressure and the need to capitalize on opportunities is seen as the key to success.
A look at Danel
The similarity of the name with Danel, a cultural figure from Ugaritic literature, draws further interesting parallels. The Danel from the 14th century BC In ancient texts, BC is seen as a judge who ensures justice and deals with the concerns of widows and orphans. In the story “Tale of Aqhat,” Danel experiences trials, including the loss of his son, which highlights his characteristics as a caring and obliging character. These cultural backgrounds can potentially explain the meaning of the name Danel in different contexts and cultures.
The ancient figure Danel is mentioned in Ugaritic texts and has a long tradition in Hebrew culture. He is cited as an example of just judgments, which explains the timeless appeal of the name. As a cultural figure, Danel reflects values that are also important in the modern world of sports - team spirit, justice and the constant challenge to improve.
In summary, it can be said that St. Pauli achieved a clear victory despite the difficulties in exploiting opportunities. The development of players like Danel Sinani is at the heart of coach Blessin's efforts, who continue to focus on a balance between creativity and effectiveness.