In their sole Bundesliga campaign in the club’s history to date, Holstein Kiel were subjected to a healthy mix of highs and lows. Initially, it looked like they were considerably out of their depth ...
In their sole Bundesliga campaign in the club’s history to date, Holstein Kiel were subjected to a healthy mix of highs and lows. Initially, it looked like they were considerably out of their depth requiring until November to get their maiden victory against FC Heidenheim. However, Marcel Rapp’s side started to find their groove thereafter – a glorious 4-2 triumph over Borussia Dortmund seemed to spark their belief. It looked like they might have snatched a late lifeline with thrilling wins over Augsburg and Gladbach, but a narrow defeat to European football chasing Freiburg consigned them to the drop.
All in all, the positives far outweighed the negatives for Die Störche and it will undoubtedly give them hunger to return to the Bundesrepublik’s topflight. A team that looked a little innocent in early September developed into an efficient side that gave them a puncher’s chance of survival. The club’s hierarchy clearly feel satisfied with Rapp at the helm – so much so that the 46-year-old was presented with a new deal until 2028. Kiel’s managing director of sport, Carsten Wehlmann, highlighted Rapp’s dedication, vision and approach as his key traits to ensure future success.
Transfers:
Kiel’s greatest challenge this season boils down to how they cope after the departures of some key names. The loss of Shuto Machino (€8m to Gladbach), who scored 12 Bundesliga goals last season, is perhaps the most notable of them all. Nicolai Remberg (€2.4m to HSV), Benedict Pichler (€700k to Hannover), Colin Kleine-Bekel (free to Bochum) and Timo Becker (free to Schalke) effectively means a new spine is required. Meanwhile, Lewis Holtby’s contract has expired and Thomas Dähne, who impressively became first-choice goalkeeper beyond late March, has joined 1860 Munich.
On the incoming side of things, the arrival of Jonas Therkelsen (€1.9m from Strømsgodset) and Kasper Davidsen (€1.6m from Aalborg BK) replenish the middle third. Another strong reinforcement comes in the form of SC Freiburg’s Robert Wagner who impressed in his 12 appearances on loan at St.Pauli last season. Mladen Cvjetinović (€200k from Ingolstadt) has big shoes to fill in defence but offers room to develop at 21 years of age. After a pair of loan expiries, full-backs Jonas Sterner and Tymoteusz Puchacz could look to re-establish themselves in the team under Rapp.
Pre-season preparations:
Die Störche eased into pre-season with a 2-1 win over fellow Schleswig-Holstein side SC Weiche-08 before departing for their USA training camp. Here, they revved up the intensity and faced MLS outfit Minnesota United on July 7 which ended in a 0-0 stalemate. Upon their return to the Bundesrepublik, Kiel dismantled Eintracht Braunschweig 4-1 before a narrow 1-0 victory over VfL Osnabrück on July 26. Thus far, the standout performers include Phil Harres (3 goals) who continues his fine form, Steven Skrzybski (1 goal) and new man Cvjetinović (1 goal). They commence their 2.Bundesliga campaign with a trip to SC Paderborn.
Possible starting lineup:
(3-4-2-1) Weiner (GK) – Zec, Johansson, Geschwill – Rosenboom, Wagner, Gigović, Tolkin – Porath, Therkelsen – Harres
Marcel Rapp has a plethora of options at his disposal in terms of personnel and formations. Having already experimented with a 4-3-2-1 and 4-4-2 in pre-season, I still expect the 46-year-old to revert to his preferred 3-4-2-1 setup. Timon Weiner should reclaim first-choice status with Zec, Johansson and Geschwill in the three-man backline, although Marko Izević and Patrick Erras might easily feature. Rosenboom and Tolkin should play on the flanks either side of Robert Wagner and Armin Gigović with Magnus Knudsen battling for a start. Finn Porath is likely to partner new man Therkelsen behind the spearhead Phil Harres. The likes of Bernhardsson and Skrzybski could present alternatives there too.
Predictions for the 2025-26 season:
Despite being demoted, the taste of Bundesliga action from the 24/25 campaign should act as a lasting reminder of what this club can achieve. Although some big hitters like Machino, Remberg and Becker are no more; there remains a swathe of talent within their ranks. The likes of Zec, Gigović, Tolkein, Rosenboom and Harres demonstrated what they are capable of and need to lead by example this time around. Marcel Rapp could prove vital in driving the team forward and easing new signings like Therkelsen and Davidsen into his plans. With that, Kiel could definitely launch a promotion bid and should be assured of a 2nd- to 6th-place finish.
Category: General Sports
