- Rapp's Red Farewell and Debut Disappointment: Kiel Suffers 0-2 Loss to Wolfsburg
Marcel Rapp acknowledged Ralph Hasenhüttl despite the painful loss after their Bundesliga debut at Holstein Kiel. Hasenhüttl received a red card in the final moments of the 0:2 defeat to VfL Wolfsburg for stepping into the opposing team's coaching area. Hasenhüttl confessed that he wasn't aware of the rule, revealing that he had previously roamed the opposing area without consequences. Rapp even thanked Hasenhüttl for this previous freedom. The opposing team's goalkeeper coach, Pascal Formann, also received a red card during the eventful encounter.
Rapp on the red card: "I was clueless about that rule"
Substitute Jann-Fiete Arp attempted to retrieve the ball close to the visitor's bench and clashed with Wolfsburg players, according to Rapp. "I strolled over, asked for the ball, and then the ref showed me a red card," Rapp complained. "The ref informed me later that coaches aren't allowed in the opposing coaching area. I was unaware of this rule too."
The undeserved defeat of the Kielers at the hands of cunning Wolfsburg overshadowed the significant game. Wolfsburg spoiled the celebration, marking the inaugural Bundesliga match held in Schleswig-Holstein. Following two games, the northern newcomers remain winless.
The Bundesliga-seasoned visitors appeared more composed than the rookie Kiel team. After an initial brave getting-underway by Kiel, Maximilian Arnold (27') and Sebastiaan Bornauw (30') scored from set pieces, dampening the spirited ambiance among the passionate supporters. The Holstein Stadium was packed with 15,034 spectators.
"We need to better defend set pieces," Rapp criticized. "We should learn," he added. Hasenhüttl applauded his team for successfully navigating into the opposing half with simple techniques. "We are very satisfied," the Austrian said.
Stadium undergoing changes
Earlier in the week, Holstein made improvements to and within the stadium, addressing DFL licensing requirements including new cameras and upgraded floodlights. The stadium is scheduled for renovation starting from autumn 2025.
Despite the absence of a new arena, fans eagerly anticipated the first Bundesliga home game. Blue jerseys dominated the city. Prior to the Bundesliga debut, Rapp spoke of a "historic game." Hasenhüttl also warned of the "special atmosphere" surrounding the "historic encounter." However, Wolfsburg aimed to quickly put an end to the blue-and-white celebration.
The northern team initially refused to let Wolfsburg dominate, starting the game with vigor. Shuto Machino (12') had the first good opportunity, but hit the target. Wolfsburg found their footing and dulled the initial excitement.
Wolfsburg takes the lead
The guests elevated their performance - putting an end to the initial excitement. Patrick Wimmer missed a close-range shot, but captain Arnold scored from a free kick around 25 meters away. Bornauw followed by heading in another goal from a set piece.
Just before half-time, the Lower Saxony side suffered a setback: Croatian Lovro Majer was injured in a foul and retreating, with BVB loanee Salih Özcan taking his place. Özcan had been loaned to Holstein earlier.
The second half remained intense with occasional scoring opportunities for both teams. However, the Kielers were unable to threaten enough to get close to equalizing.
Rapp mentioned that he enjoyed their previous meetings with Holstein, stating, "I have always enjoyed visiting Holstein as a coach, even before this Bundesliga season." During the post-match press conference, when asked about Hasenhüttl's red card, Rapp expressed sympathy, saying, "It's unfortunate that such a passionate coach like Hasenhüttl received a red card due to not being aware of the rules regarding the opposing coaching area, especially considering his past experiences at Holstein."
