Sailing Through Stress: Kiel's Calm Confidence in Bundesliga Survival
Optimism over anxiety: Kiel advocates for maintaining league membership - Survival through Optimism: Kiel Embraces Class Confidence
Holstein Kiel's coach Marcel Rapp embraces the relegation battle with a cool demeanor, seeing no pressure but opportunity. "We ain't got nothin' to lose, we're just gonna gain somethin'," he said ahead of their final home game against SC Freiburg (3:30 PM/Sky). "If we plummet down, it's a bummer for us, but it's par for the course for many. It's quite the sensation we're still fighting for the relegation playoff," Rapp added.
With just two games left, Kiel trails 1. FC Heidenheim by a paltry point for the 16th relegation playoff spot. The Schleswig-Holsteiners have been on a hot streak lately, clawing wins from Gladbach and Augsburg.
"We're on a roll now, feelin' great, and still got a shot at stickin' around," Rapp shared. "Nobody saw it comin' at the season's start, but here we are."
Rapp still has a worry or two, like injured striker Shuto Machino. But Machino managed individual training sessions during the week and should be fit in time for the game against the Champions League contender.
To keep the team relaxed, Rapporganized a canoe trip, likening it to visualizing a smooth journey to safety. The squad, he believes, is playing smarter football than earlier in the season, showing maturity and tactical finesse that could be key to their survival.
Kiel currently sits near the bottom of the table, with Heidenheim, Hoffenheim, St. Pauli, and Bochum all in the relegation fray. With only a few matchdays left, Kiel is within striking distance of the relegation playoff position, but things are far from certain. Each game holds immense importance in the nail-biting final stretch of the season.
Despite the odds, Rapp and his squad remain focused and optimistic, ready to fight until the final whistle to keep their spot in the Bundesliga.
- Marcel Rapp, the coach of Holstein Kiel, maintains a calm demeanor regarding the relegation battle, viewing it as an opportunity rather than a pressure.
- Kiel trails 1. FC Heidenheim by a single point for the 16th relegation playoff spot, having secured victories against Gladbach and Augsburg recently.
- Rapp remains concerned about injured striker Shuto Machino, who resumed individual training ahead of the crucial game against a Champions League contender.
- To keep the team relaxed, Rapp organized a canoe trip, comparing it to visualizing a smooth journey to safety.
- With only a few matchdays left, Kiel is within striking distance of the relegation playoff position, but their survival in the Bundesliga is far from certain, as they face intense competition from Heidenheim, Hoffenheim, St. Pauli, and Bochum.
