Igor Matanovic (22) of Freiburg Shares Mixed Feelings After Scoring Against Former Club St. Pauli Amidst Relegation Battle

Freiburg forward Igor Matanovic was reluctant to inflict damage upon his former team, St. Pauli, on Sunday evening. His two goals, however, inflicted a deeply frustrating defeat on his hometown club, which is currently fighting to avoid relegation. The Hamburg native chose not to celebrate either of his goals in Freiburg's 2-1 away Bundesliga victory.

Igor Matanovic’s Journey with St. Pauli

Matanovic joined the Kiezkicker youth academy in 2010 when he was just seven years old. Like many young German football talents, he served as a ball boy on matchdays at the stadium. The now seven-time Croatian international made his debut for St. Pauli's first team during the 2020/21 2. Bundesliga season.

Eintracht Frankfurt recognized Matanovic's potential, acquiring him for €1.8 million in the summer of 2021. To further his development, however, the RheinMainAdler decided it was best to loan him back to the Hamburg side for an extended two-year period. Despite this, Matanovic only managed to score three goals for St. Pauli over those two seasons.

Matanovic’s Ascent

Matanovic finally found his scoring touch in the 2. Bundesliga during a loan spell with Karlsruher SC in the 2023/24 season. He had previously shown flashes of top-flight potential with Dino Toppmöller's SGE, but only managed two goals in 25 appearances across all competitions for Frankfurt.

Eintracht, nonetheless, remained confident in his abilities, safeguarding their investment with a buyback clause when he was sold to Freiburg. Now that Matanovic has continued the strong goal-scoring form he initiated at the beginning of this calendar year, that clause could very well be activated.

Matanovic’s estimated market value has increased by €3 million, reaching €10 million, over the past three months.

Matanovic’s Reflections on His Former Club

"It was a truly special game for me," Matanovic revealed to a sports broadcaster after the match. "I cherished the 13 years I spent playing here. I used to be in the stands as a young boy and even worked as a ball boy. Playing here today was an absolute joy. When I stepped onto the field earlier, even before the game started, the fans gave me such a warm reception. I truly appreciate that."

"However, today I wear the Freiburg crest on my chest and must give my absolute best for this club," Matanovic continued. "That’s precisely what I did today. We [Freiburg] achieved a great deal as a team. We aimed to build on the momentum from Thursday but didn't quite fully succeed. My [first goal] also involved a lot of pure luck; I was fortunate the ball bounced in that particular way."

Freiburg’s Julian Schuster Praises Matanovic

"The young man joined us from Eintracht and specifically chose our club," commented SCF head coach Julian Schuster regarding the 22-year-old during the post-match press conference. "It took some time for him to fully grasp our expectations and requirements. He now meets those perfectly. Over the past six months, he has made significant progress in his defensive work without the ball."

"His quality in tight spaces with the ball and his ability to maintain possession are also noteworthy," Schuster added. "And let's not overlook the threat he poses in front of goal. His natural scoring instinct is immensely helpful to us, and it's now translating into consistent goal-scoring form."

Schuster Also Expresses Sympathy for St. Pauli

"We are pleased to have secured a victory against a team that has performed well in recent weeks," Schuster – who arrived late to the post-match press conference – also noted in his opening remarks. "They possess quality, and we were fortunate to come back against them."

"I said this last year, and I'll reiterate it this year," Schuster continued. "I hope to have the privilege of playing an away match here again next year. I simply find this stadium, this club, these fans, and this team wonderful and remarkable."

"I am convinced that St. Pauli can do it [avoid relegation]," Schuster concluded. "Alex, I wish you and your team immense strength and energy. I hope that, together, you can all manage to achieve your goal and remain part of the Bundesliga next year."