Holstein Kiel has officially extended the contract of head coach Marcel Rapp, who has been leading the team with notable success for the past three and a half years. The club’s sporting director, Carsten Wehlmann, emphasized Rapp’s professionalism and deep connection to the club’s philosophy as key reasons for the extension.
“Marcel Rapp has been working very successfully with Holstein Kiel for three and a half years now,” said Wehlmann. “He has a clear vision of the kind of football he wants to play, he’s incredibly meticulous, and he fully identifies with the path we’ve been following at this club for many years. His drive to continuously develop the team alongside his coaching staff is unwavering. We are absolutely convinced that he is the right person to lead the KSV — not only through calm waters but also with determination through the challenges ahead. He leads with clarity and purpose, and we’re confident in his ability to continue guiding us forward.”
Rapp, who made history by guiding Holstein Kiel to its first-ever promotion to the Bundesliga, shared his thoughts on the contract renewal and his ongoing commitment to the club.
“Since I started here, we’ve shared many special moments together,” Rapp said. “The club has evolved significantly on many levels, and right now, we are on an exciting and demanding journey that is far from over. I continue to find great joy in working with everyone involved — from the people in the club to the broader community in Kiel and throughout Schleswig-Holstein.”
The coach also spoke about the personal importance of the city to him and his family: “Kiel has become a second home not just for me, but for my entire family. That’s why I’m fully committed to continuing this journey and contributing to the future of the club with all the energy and passion I have — together with my fantastic team.”
Under Rapp’s leadership, Holstein Kiel has steadily grown as a club, both in terms of on-field performance and structural development. The extension of his contract signals a clear commitment to stability and long-term planning. The club sees Rapp not only as a coach, but as a key figure capable of steering Holstein Kiel through every phase — from periods of calm to moments of adversity.
With this decision, Holstein Kiel is reinforcing its strategic focus: sustainable growth, consistent performance, and strong leadership. As the team looks ahead to new challenges in the Bundesliga, the trust placed in Rapp and his staff is a testament to the club’s belief in his ability to deliver continued progress.
The extended partnership is expected to bring continuity to Kiel’s vision, maintaining a strong foundation for further success in the years to come.
