At 17th place in the table, Kiel is a relegation-battling opponent that VfB must not stumble against. We spoke with Patrick from the 1912FM podcast about the situation at KSV Holstein.
With the Red Stripe: Hello Patrick, and thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Last Sunday, KSV celebrated its first away win of the season—and its first-ever Bundesliga away win—against Union Berlin. What does that mean for the fans and the club?
Patrick: That was, of course, a huge moment that we had been waiting for. Another historic milestone for Holstein Kiel. But being so deep in the relegation battle, the joy doesn’t last long—you just hope that enough positive energy carries over to build on that success.
As a newly promoted team, Kiel is currently 17th in the table, just behind the relegation playoff spot and five points from safety. What’s the dominant feeling right now—excitement about playing in the Bundesliga or fear of returning to the second division?
Definitely excitement about being in the Bundesliga. Even if we get relegated, there’s more of a feeling of anticipation for another season in the second division. As a Holstein fan, the 2. Bundesliga still feels special—especially for those of us who followed the club through years in the 4th and 5th divisions. Kiel fans see it this way: The worst that can happen is relegation to an amazing second division.
How do you rate your chances of staying up?
Very, very low. We simply don’t have the squad quality to do more than fight for survival in the Bundesliga. We’re lucky that Bochum and Heidenheim are also struggling this year. Even if we somehow make it to the relegation playoff, I wouldn’t see us as favorites against the strong top teams from the 2. Bundesliga.
You’ve scored more goals than any other team in the bottom third of the table—one more than fifth-placed Freiburg, even—but you’ve also conceded the most in the league. Is this a lack of quality in defense, or is it more of a tactical issue despite your goal output?
It’s hard to say. Last season, we had the second-best defense in the league, so nobody expected this to become our biggest problem this year. But with all the injuries, we haven’t been able to play with a consistent defensive lineup from one game to the next. Even now, two of our three defensive signings are out injured. That’s definitely a problem. Then you add in the lack of Bundesliga-level quality in some players, and of course, the psychological effect of conceding so many goals.
Aside from that, what are KSV’s biggest strengths and weaknesses right now?
Our strength is our attack—we score in almost every game, no matter the opponent. (Three goals against Bayern, for example.) Our weaknesses are our pace—both physically and mentally.
In the winter, Kiel signed three defenders: David Zec, John Tolkin, and Ivan Nekic. Are you happy with those transfers, or would you have preferred reinforcements elsewhere?
Zec immediately became our defensive leader and is one of the few players who clearly looks Bundesliga-ready. A top signing for us. Nekic is hard to judge—he’s injured.
Tolkin has only had one start and is now out indefinitely. He definitely has talent, but given his social media history, his non-apology, and everything surrounding it, I personally would have preferred not to sign him.
Since Bernhardsson—one of our best players—was also injured and still needs time, I would have liked us to bring in an offensive player on loan.
Shuto Machino and Phil Harres have both scored seven goals so far. Who else should Stuttgart be wary of on Saturday?
Right now, we don’t have that one standout player to watch. Skrzybski can always have a moment of brilliance, as can Holtby or Bernhardsson (if he’s fit).
Gigovic also has the ability to pull off something special, though I personally think he plays too selfishly.
Marcel Rapp has been head coach since 2021. Would he stay if Kiel gets relegated?
I’d love for him to stay, and I think the club would also like to keep him. But I doubt he would go along with it.
VfB Stuttgart seems to visit the Holstein-Stadion only every five years—2015 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal, 2020 in the second division (without fans), and now this Saturday. For those who weren’t there ten years ago: What should VfB fans expect at the stadium? And what’s the best stadium sausage? Any recommendations for a weekend trip to Kiel?
Honestly, the stadium is just a patched-together steel grandstand. A new stadium has been “in planning” for years.
Some people say it has charm, but I think that’s only true if it’s not your home stadium.
As for the stadium sausage—we only have one, and I don’t recommend it. In general, the food and drinks inside the stadium are overpriced and not great. It’s better to eat and drink somewhere else in Kiel before or after the game.
If you’re spending the weekend here, check out the lighthouse in Holtenau. Taking the ferry to Laboe and visiting the Naval Memorial is also worth it. Basically, if you’re by the water in Kiel, you’re in the right place.
Finally, regarding your squad: Who is out injured, and what’s your prediction for the starting XI and the result?
Out: Colin Kleine-Bekel, Patrick Erras, Carl Johansson, Benedikt Pichler, John Tolkin. Questionable: Bernhardsson and Nekic.
Predicting the starting XI isn’t really worth it since Rapp seems to field a different team every weekend.
My score prediction: 1–3 for Stuttgart.
Note: This interview was translated from German via ChatGPT
Picture: © Joern Pollex/Getty Images