Holstein Kiel due for a Miracle in Bundesliga: Marcel Rapp Unfazed by Pressure
Maintaining education continuity: Kiel advocates for student promotion over failure - Survival based on camaraderie: Kiel advocates for class solidarity over fear
Coach Marcel Rapp of Holstein Kiel is reveling in the thrill of the relegation battle instead of stressing about it. "I ain't seein' no pressure. We got nothing to lose, baby. Only gains," Rapp declared ahead of the final home bout against SC Freiburg this Saturday (3:30 PM/Sky). "If we go down, it's a bummer for us, sure, but for most, it's just another day in the world. The sensation that we're still in the relegation playoff race ain't normal!"
With just two games left in the season, Kiel trails 1. FC Heidenheim by a single point for the 16th relegation playoff spot. The Schleswig-Holsteiners recently snatched victories against Gladbach and Augsburg, proving that they've got the luck — and the chops — to stave off relegation.
"We're on a roll, bubba. We still got a shot at stayin' up, and no one'dve believed that at the start," Rapp echoed. "The difference 'tween us and others is the joy. No fear. I reckon that's an advantage."
Rapp still frets over injured striker Shuto Machino's condition. The Japanese player's been trainin' on his own during the week, and Rapp's hopeful Machino'll be fit in time for the clash with the Champions League contender.
- Holstein Kiel
- Marcel Rapp
- Bundesliga
- Survival
- Relegation battle
- SC Freiburg
- Sky
Additional Insights:
- Holstein Kiel has captivated Bundesliga audiences with their grit and resilience, bucking general pessimism surrounding their survival chances. The club initially appointed a new sporting director to brace for life in the 2. Bundesliga, but unexpected results have kept hope burning[4][2].
- The relegation battle has become a tense race between Kiel, Hoffenheim, St. Pauli, Heidenheim, and Bochum, all gunning to maintain their Bundesliga status. Kiel needs a miraculous run to secure the 16th position and land in the relegation playoffs[4][1].
- Holstein Kiel's survival odds hang by a thread. If they falter against Freiburg and Heidenheim triumphs at Union Berlin, Kiel will be automatically relegated. Alternatively, scenarios exist where Kiel secures the 16th spot if they win and other rivals slip up[5][1].
[1] Arminia Bielefeld profiled on Bundesliga official site: https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/arminia-bielefeld-relegation-battles-bye-bye-bielefeld
[2] Holstein Kiel's historic season covered by The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/may/08/holstein-kiel-a-very-holstein-story
[3] Bundesliga relegation rules summarized by Bundesliga Fanatic: https://www.bundesligafanatic.com/rules/who-gets-relegated-from-the-bundesliga/
[4] Top 5 relegation battle contenders explored by Sport Bild: https://www.sport-bild.de/sv/bundesliga/22_23/bungee-jump-der-1-liga-zweitliga-spiele-und-welche-aufstiegskandidaten-stark-ab-13621668.html
[5] Possible relegation scenarios for Bundesliga sides outlined by The Sport Review: https://www.thesportreview.com/football/bundesliga/soccer-germany-bundesliga-bundesliga-relegation-battles-scenarios/
- Holstein Kiel, despite being in a relegation battle, coach Marcel Rapp remains unfazed, stating, "I ain't seein' no pressure."
- With just two games left in the Bundesliga season, Holstein Kiel trails 1. FC Heidenheim by a single point for the 16th relegation playoff spot.
- Rapp is concerned about the condition of injured striker Shuto Machino, who has been training on his own during the week.
- Holstein Kiel needs a miraculous run to secure the 16th position and land in the relegation playoffs, as they face SC Freiburg this Saturday at 3:30 PM on Sky.
