Rapp Set for Lautern Battle: "No Character Test" for Holstein Kiel
Holstein Kiel coach Marcel Rapp is unphased by the electric atmosphere at Betzenberg ahead of the second division clash against 1. FC Kaiserslauttern. He remembers his squad's grit during their 2-0 victory over relegated Bundesliga side Schalke in August, branding it as the test of character.
For the 44-year-old Rapp, the high-energy atmosphere in Kaiserslautern on Sunday (1:30 p.m./Sky) holds no significance. The Fritz Walter Stadium ranks fourth in the attendance rankings with an average attendance of over 43,300.
When the game commences, Rapp turns a blind eye to the atmosphere. "Then it's just a game. It's my job to guide the team," he stated. As a diehard soccer fan, Rapp acknowledges the thrill of coaching in such an iconic setting. "When you get a chance to coach in a stadium like this, it's undeniably more entertaining than competing in other stadiums. I'm genuinely excited for the event and the atmosphere."
Confident after their 4-2 triumph against Hamburger SV, Kiel heads to the Palatinate with optimism. They currently sit in third place in the table. "We need to make sure that we organize the game according to our plans," Rapp underlined. "The number of spectators and the stadium won't matter then."
Looking ahead, Rapp isn't fixated on the table until this stage in the campaign. "We've done well by staying focused on ourselves, our strengths, and our weaknesses." Rapp's squad has no major player concerns, although Jonas Sterner's involvement is still uncertain. The young midfielder has recently dealt with illness.
As Kiel prepares to face 1. FC Kaiserslautern, Rapp stresses that the game is not a test of character for his team. Instead, he appreciates the opportunity to coach in a stadium like Fritz Walter, which is renowned for its fervent crowd.
Holstein Kiel has shown tenacity in their past matches, particularly during their 2-2 draw against VfL Bochum, where they managed to find the back of the net twice despite Bochum's resolute defense. This suggests Rapp might encourage an aggressive approach, taking advantage of scoring opportunities in the electric atmosphere of Fritz Walter Stadium.
While specific strategies for the upcoming match against 1. FC Kaiserslautern are not revealed, Marco Rapp's past success with the team and the electric atmosphere of the Fritz Walter Stadium indicate that Holstein Kiel will approach the game with confidence, intensity, and a keen focus on securing their goals.
