Marcel Hartel hit the ground running last season following his summer arrival from St. Pauli FC. In short order, he proved to be one of the most talented players in the St. Louis CITY SC lineup.
There’s reason to believe he could be even better in 2025.
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The 29-year-old German was responsible for three goals and five assists through his first nine matches in Major League Soccer, and a new attacking approach under first-year CITY head coach Olof Mellberg seems tailored to his ability in the middle of the pitch. Not to mention, a full preseason of preparation should lead to deeper chemistry with his teammates in the attack.
“The offseason came a bit too early last season,” Hartel said. “I still had too much energy because normally in Germany they are still playing. Then, for me, I was already coming off of an offseason. Another nine weeks off was way too much but I’m very happy to be back here with the team and with the new coach. It’s fun to work with everybody again.”
Hartel will play an incredibly important role in 2025.
In Mellberg’s 5-3-2 formation this preseason, Hartel presses high, pushing play forward while, at times, being the focal point in a high defensive line. Mellberg wants to be flexible, directing the club to be able to thrive in a high block as well as a mid-block. All of that becomes easier with a player like Hartel as the attacking engine.
“I like to run for the team, to have the ball at my feet, and I so want to win these games,” Hartel said. “I don’t want to concede goals, I want to shoot goals, and this will happen when we play good soccer.”
Finding the players that have a high level of chemistry with Hartel may be the key for the club’s attacking play. CITY fans saw the connectivity grow between Hartel and fellow countryman Cedric Teuchert last season, though it remains to be seen how Hartel could look flanked by Célio Pompeu or a young player like Mykhi Joyner. Regardless of the lineup, everyone wants to earn their spot in the preferred XI, and more importantly, everyone wants the club to thrive in this new era.
“Everybody is very motivated to play, everybody is ready to show [Mellberg] our quality, and you could feel that immediately,” Hartel said. “Everyone has a clean slate again.”
Hartel seamlessly fits into the friendly competition mindset that weaves its way through the roster. Talk to anyone fighting for their position, and they’ll tell you they work harder knowing it will help push the team to become better as Mellberg works to turn his group into “non-stop players.”
Mellberg wants his team to be relentless—but also smart and fluid—as it seeks to make the most of each possession. Hartel seems to embody those qualities. Arguably, his best skills are his fluidity, passing, and movement, as well as his ability to drag defenders out of position. Having Hartel operate in the middle of the pitch or out in the wide spaces adds a dimension to CITY’s attack that the club missed prior to his arrival.
“I appreciate every time I have some freedom from the coach, or that he likes that I can do more for the team,” Hartel said. “I will be a leader on the field and this is my goal, to help the team every time in all of the ways that I can.”
Make no mistake: CITY’s success in 2025 will hinge partly on Hartel’s ability to both orchestrate the attack and pressure opposing back lines and central defensive midfielders as they look to build through the midfield. The trademark of any good facilitator is his ability to impact the club beyond his personal abilities and make those around him better merely through his presence.
In Hartel, CITY seems to have a player who fits the bill.
