Blessin before the end
Promoters and workers: Is this St. Pauli’s new coach?
June 4, 2026 – 2:49 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
The relegation should be a new beginning: FC St. Pauli is apparently starting the season with a new coach who left deep marks on a northern competitor.
It has been clear for around three weeks that the future of… FC St Pauli – at least for the time being – is in the Second Bundesliga. After the relegation, the club and coach Alexander Blessin took a lot of time to clarify whether they would take this path together. Neither St. Pauli nor Blessin have announced an official result, but according to consistent media reports it is clear: the “Kiezkicker” are relying on a new trainer. Marcel Rapp should take over.
According to “Mopo”, the 47-year-old is at least a hot candidate. The “Abendblatt” went further on Thursday: It was “an open secret that Rapp is moving to St. Pauli”. The new coach will be officially introduced in the coming days. Rapp would be available without a transfer fee. His contract in Kiel was terminated prematurely at the end of February.
Marcel Rapp stands for this football
During his four and a half year tenure, Rapp sensationally led the “Storks” from the basement of the second division all the way to the Bundesliga. Although Holstein Kiel was relegated again in 2024/25, it held up well in the relegation battle for a long time – even BVB had to admit defeat in Kiel.
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Marcel Rapp stands for offensive, proactive possession football. His team should play actively and not just react, even if they are the underdogs. Rapp and Holstein Kiel often relied on high defense and counter-pressing in the Bundesliga in order to lure the opponent out of reserve. He relies on clear processes and positioning and is considered a tactically flexible trainer.
Against the ball, Rapp often relies on a five-man chain, but when in possession of the ball, he uses a three-man chain, while two wing-backs have a more offensive role. This means his profile fits well with the FC St. Pauli squad: Alexander Blessin took a similar approach, albeit with a strong defensive focus and looking for counterattack opportunities.