Partial success on return to Kiel
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Comeback coach Tim Walter sees the recently struggling second division club Holstein Kiel on the right track. After his return to the Störche sidelines ended in a partial success in the 1-1 draw against SV Elversberg, the 50-year-old said: “I found the way we played the game today impressive.” Walter particularly liked the will and intensity of his players.
Personally, Walter was also happy to be able to work on the sidelines again: “It’s just nice to have grass under your feet. I know that I missed it. My wife also knows that I missed it. The couch is now worn out at home and it was just time to work again.”
Change in the Kiel goal Question of mentality and emotions
As one of the first official acts, Walter, who had already been in charge in Kiel in the 2018/19 season, made a change to the goalkeeper position. Timon Weiner stood between the posts for Jonas Krumrey, who had played in 22 of the 23 games so far. Weiner brings more mentality and emotionality to the game than Krumrey, explained Walter. “He wears his heart on his sleeve and sometimes shouts at the boys. And that’s what you need at the moment.” However, this does not have to be a long-term decision.
Player comparison
Holstein Kiel
Holstein Kiel
€1.20 million
Market value
€500 thousand
June 30, 2027
Contract until
June 30, 2027
For the complete player comparison
The same applies to the role of team captain. Against Elversberg, Jonas Meffert wore the armband in place of Steven Skrzybski, who has been missing since the beginning of February due to a torn muscle. “If Stevie wants the bandage back, then he’s welcome to take it back,” said Walter. Meffert, who also played under Walter at Hamburger SV, said he was happy to be able to work with his former coach again. “When the guy comes into the room, you notice the difference,” said the midfielder at Sky: “I was very happy when he showed up here. He gave us a great attitude and gave us great energy.”
The fact that the Kiel fans thanked the released coach Marcel Rapp with banners was also acknowledged by Walter with applause: “I would have, and this comes from my heart, I would have wished that he would have managed that, quite honestly. But those in charge decided differently.” To the safe shore – Kiel is currently 15th in the table. – there is still a long way to go for the people of Kiel. But for the Elversberg coach Vincent Wagner, one thing is certain: “I’m pretty sure that Holstein Kiel won’t get the points for free in the next few weeks, but that they will collect significantly more points.”
