2nd Bundesliga
As of: February 25, 2026 1:19 p.m
Marcel Rapp is history at Holstein Kiel, it’s Tim Walter’s turn: The new coach of the second division soccer team asked his team to the first session this morning and wants to save the club from relegation. He is familiar with the environment on the fjord.
Rolls instead of ball work: Walter did not start the mission to stay in the league on the Kiel training ground, but with a joint breakfast with players and the functional team. A bit of sniffing around in a relaxed atmosphere before we got down to business and asked the 50-year-old to attend his first training session.
With the usual self-confident Walter in the lead. “I am convinced that we can be successful together and achieve the club’s goals,” said the new coach, who led the team after four defeats in a row and finished 14th in the table. takes over the relegation zone with just one point lead.
First difficult task against Elversberg
Walter’s opening program has it all. On Saturday (1 p.m., in the NDR Livecenter), third-placed SV Elversberg comes to the Holstein Stadium. A week later we go to the second Darmstadt 98. That’s why Walter doesn’t waste any time and has also scheduled an afternoon training session.
“Didn’t have to think long”
For him it is a return to his old place of work. Walter coached the KSV in the 2018/2019 season. “When I received the request to work as a coach here again, I didn’t have to think twice. I have a lot to thank Kiel for, I got my first chance in professional football here,” he explained. “I have always followed the club’s continued positive development in recent years from afar. After the very good discussions with those responsible, I am now looking forward to working with the team.”
It will be challenging for the former HSV coach, who was most recently on the sidelines at English second division club Hull City (until November 2024). Because the relegated Bundesliga team from Kiel is in danger of being pushed through to the third division.
Walter brings assistant coach Hübner with him
After a big upheaval in the summer – many veterans left, some young players came – the Kiel team stumbled badly and has shown little development recently. For Walter it will be about being consistent in his performance and of course also about getting the necessary points to stay in the league. Julian Hübner will help him as assistant coach, whom Walter is bringing with him to Kiel.
Rebbe relies on Walter’s impulses
“Tim is in a position to give our team an important impetus for the decisive phase of the season. With his experience, his quality and his personality, he will make an impact both on and off the pitch,” said managing director Olaf Rebbe. “Together we want to pool all our strengths in the coming weeks to bring the season to a successful conclusion.”
