Holstein Kiel extends coach Marcel Rapp's contract by two years until June 2028

Holstein Kiel issued a statement on Wednesday confirming that head coach Marcel Rapp's contract will be extended from 2026 to June 30, 2028. They then also renewed contracts with two assistant coaches Dirk Bremzer and Alexander Hahn.

"Marcel Rapp has been successfully coaching at Holstein Kiel for three and a half years now," explains managing director of sports Carsten Wellmann. "He has a clear philosophy on football, works very rigorously and fully shares the path we have been following for many years. His motivation is to drive the team forward with his coaching team."

"We are convinced that he is the right person for the job as head coach of Holstein Kiel. He can lead the club through calm waters as well as weather storms with determination and continue to steer the way with clear plans."

Marcel Rapp, 45, started his coaching career in 2012, initially as an assistant coach at Nottingham. He then moved to Hoffenheim to take charge of the youth training and once served as the first team caretaker coach.

In August 2021, Rapp officially took over Holstein Kiel, which was then playing in the Bundesliga. So far, he has led the team to a record of 49 wins, 27 draws and 50 losses, and qualified for the Bundesliga at the end of last season. However, Holstein Kiel's performance this season is not ideal. After 27 rounds, it ranks last in the Bundesliga with 4 wins, 5 draws, 18 losses and 17 points.

After completing the contract extension, Rapp said: "Since taking office, I have spent many unforgettable moments with you all. The club has made great progress in many aspects. We are on a challenging and exciting journey that is far from over."

“It continues to be a great pleasure to work with the club staff, the city of Kiel and our partners throughout Schleswig-Holstein. Kiel has become not only my second home but also my entire family’s second home. Therefore, it goes without saying that I want to continue to be involved in the development of the club together with my excellent team and to devote all my energy to this end.”