- Holstein coach Rapp, despite defeats: "You are on schedule"
Recent defeats in friendly matches do not worry Holstein Kiel's coach Marcel Rapp. "We've drawn conclusions from all the friendly matches that we can learn from. We deliberately chose strong opponents because they set the standard for the league," he said in an interview with the "Kieler Nachrichten". "We're adapting, but it's also clear that we still have to improve. But the potential is there and I see progress."
The promoted team to the Bundesliga had lost to future league rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach (0:1) and Mainz 05 (0:2) during their training camp. They also failed to win against Sønderjyske from Denmark (0:0) and 1. FC Kaiserslautern (0:1) before traveling to Austria. Moreover, the Kiel team had not scored any goals.
Friendly matches chosen deliberately
Nevertheless, Rapp is satisfied with his team's performance in preparation. "We're on schedule and getting fitter week by week," he said. It's not preparation for a cup final, "where one decisive game stands," but for an entire season. "It's the same with the content. We set ourselves tasks and see what works and what doesn't."
The opponents were chosen accordingly. "I can say that we were fully challenged in the friendly matches as well," said Rapp.
Not a 'wish list'
The 45-year-old is also satisfied with the transfers. Recently, the Kiel team signed Tymoteusz Puchacz (25) from Union Berlin. "Now that we have a specialist on the left, all positions are filled," said Rapp. "Being a coach at Holstein Kiel is not a 'wish list'. Of course, we'll keep our eyes open, but my job is to develop the players, not always to call for new ones. Even though we don't have a large squad, we'll be competitive in the coming season."
Next Saturday (16:30 CET), Kiel will play their final warm-up match against Ligue 1 newcomers AS Saint-Étienne. One week later, the competitive season begins with the first round of the DFB-Pokal (August 17, 18:00 CET/Sky) against third-tier newcomers Alemannia Aachen. Holstein Kiel's Bundesliga debut is on August 24 (15:30 CET/Sky) against TSG Hoffenheim.
Holstein Kiel's Challenging PreparationDespite the string of draws and losses during their friendly matches, Holstein Kiel's coach Marcel Rapp mentioned that they deliberately chose strong opponents to set the standard for the league.
Strengthening the TeamRecently, Holstein Kiel added Tymoteusz Puchacz from Union Berlin, filling the left position, and Rapp stated that being a coach at Holstein Kiel is not about constantly calling for new players, but about developing the existing ones.
