Before the cup duel
HSV opponent Holstein Kiel is deep in crisis
12/02/2025 – 2:08 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Holstein Kiel is in a serious crisis before the DFB Cup game against HSV. Only two points separate the “Storks” from a relegation zone.
Holstein Kiel is not traveling to Hamburg on Wednesday in a good mood: the Bundesliga relegated team slipped into the relegation battle at the latest after the 0-1 home defeat against Hertha BSC. With 15 points, Kiel is only slightly ahead of 17th in the table. Greuther Fürth (13).
The sporting decline dampens the anticipation for the cup game in the Volkspark, which starts on Wednesday at 8.45 p.m. After last weekend’s defeat – already the seventh defeat after relegation – the fans reacted with clear criticism.
Defender Marco Komenda shows understanding for the supporters’ dissatisfaction. “I can understand the reaction,” says the defender. “After such defeats, I have a thick neck myself.”
Holstein head coach Marcel Rapp doesn’t want to spare any of the regular staff despite the tense situation. With ailing players like John Tolkin (muscular problems) and Komenda (infection), he weighs up the stakes. Defense chief Carl Johansson (knee problems) and Steven Skrzybski (foot injury) are definitely out.
Around 6,000 Kiel fans support their team in the Volkspark. The balance gives hope: KSV remained unbeaten in the six guest games before Hamburg’s first division comeback. “Wednesday is extremely important for our fans and the city,” emphasizes Komenda.
Progressing would bring the Kiel team an additional 1.7 million euros from the marketing pool. The league games seem even more important: Internally, the goal was six points from the matches against Braunschweig, Magdeburg and Dresden by Christmas.
Sports director Olaf Rebbe makes it clear: “We are not having a coaching discussion.” In doing so, he ends the public debate about the promotion coach, who has been in office since October 2021.
However, the expectations after relegation were different: Despite the departures of top scorer Shuto Machino, Nicolai Remberg and Armin Gigovic, a worry-free season should be possible. The transfer proceeds brought a surplus of a good seven million euros, but the offensive is weak with only 14 goals in 14 games.