- Holstein-trainer on the traditional club Aachen: "A force"
Holstein Kiel approaches Saturday's first competitive match of the new football season with a great deal of respect. A week before their Bundesliga debut against 1899 Hoffenheim, the "Storks" face a test in the DFB-Pokal against third-tier newcomers Alemannia Aachen (Saturday, 6:00 PM/Sky).
"Quite a force is coming towards us," said coach Marcel Rapp on Thursday, referring to the massive fan support at the Tivoli. More than 23,000 spectators attended the traditional club's first third-division home game and 2004 Pokal finalists last weekend against SC Verl.
Rapp does not believe that the consecutive test match losses have affected the confidence of the Kiel players. He considers it important that they created enough scoring opportunities in the games against 1. FC Kaiserslautern (0:1), Borussia Mönchengladbach (0:1), Mainz 05 (0:2), and AS St. Etienne (2:3). "I trust the guys. They have proven in the past that they can put the ball in the net," said the 45-year-old coach.
In Aachen, Rapp will have to do without offensive player Steven Skryzbski (calf injury), who is also likely to miss the Bundesliga opener. The deployment of new midfield signing Armin Gigovic (heel injury) is still uncertain.
The Aachen's strong fan base, known as the force at the Tivoli, will undeniably pose a challenge for Holstein Kiel's players on Saturday. Despite their consecutive test match losses, coach Marcel Rapp remains confident in his team's ability to score, citing their recent opportunities created against tough opponents.
