Surviving with optimism: Kiel advocates for elite league resilience - Survival of the Class: Kiel Promotes Joy Over Fear
Winning the Bundesliga with Joy: Holstein Kiel Eyes Survival
Holstein Kiel's coach, Marcel Rapp, isn't sweating the relegation battle. "I ain't seein' no pressure", he says, "We ain't got nothin' to lose, we can only gain somethin'." He shares these words before the last home game, against SC Freiburg this Saturday at 3:30 PM/Sky. "If we get relegated, it'd be a bummer for us, but it's the norm for many. It's a miracle we're still battlin' for the playoffs."
With two games left, Kiel trails 1. FC Heidenheim by just a single point for the 16th relegation spot. The Schleswig-Holsteiners have been on a roll lately, celebrating wins against Gladbach and Augsburg.
"Now we're on a good streak, great form. We're still in the game to stay up, which no one would've guessed at the start of the season," Rapp says. "The difference between many others is we're attackin' this with joy, not fear. I reckon that's an advantage."
Rapp still has to keep an eye on Machino, his injured striker. The Japanese player trained individually during the week and should be fit in time for the game against the Champions League contender.
Holstein Kiel has managed to keep their spirits high through a unique mix of strategies and mindsets emphasized by their coach. Rapp promotes a laid-back, confident approach amidst pressure, focusing on preparation, maturity, and playing better football now than at the start of the season. He insists that being well-prepared leads to tension, but not nervousness[2].
To keep the players relaxed and mentally fresh, Rapp has implemented odd tactics, such as a canoe trip instead of a traditional training session[2]. These offbeat team-building activities help visualize "landin' on safe shores," metaphorically preparing them for the relegation battle.
Rapp also avoids getting hung up on the results of relegation rivals' matches. Instead, he spends crucial game nights enjoying a card game night with his family to focus on his team's performance[2].
Holstein Kiel has displayed impressive on-field performance, such as their convincing 5-1 victory over Augsburg earlier in the season and a vital 3-1 win against Augsburg in the current relegation fight. Key players like Shuto Machino, who scored crucial goals like a penalty in the latest win, have contributed significantly to the team's resilience and optimistic mindset[2][4].
In sum, Holstein Kiel's positive approach to the relegation battle comes from a blend of strong mental preparation, innovative relaxation techniques, focusing on controllable factors, and improving football performances. This holistic outlook helps them tackle the challenges with a smile rather than fear[2][4].
- Despite the looming relegation battle, Holstein Kiel's coach, Marcel Rapp, remains undeterred, attributing a lack of pressure to their underdog status and potential for gains.
- With one point separating them from 1. FC Heidenheim, Kiel's place in the Bundesliga hangs in the balance, but recent wins against Gladbach and Augsburg have kept their survival hopes alive.
- Rapp credits the team's positive mindset and lack of fear as key contributors to their success this season, employing unconventional tactics like a canoe trip to help maintain a relaxed atmosphere among the players.
- As they prepare for their final games, Kiel continues to display impressive football, relying on standout performances from players like Shuto Machino, who has scored critical goals in their relegation fight.
