Holstein Kiel lost 1:3 to Karlsruher SC in the 2. Bundesliga, marking their fifth consecutive defeat. Fans expressed massive frustration, and the future of coach Marcel Rapp remains uncertain. Sports director Olaf Rebbe avoided a clear endorsement of the coach.
Karlsruher SC defeated Holstein Kiel 1:3 on Saturday evening in the 2. Bundesliga. For Kiel, it was the fifth consecutive competitive loss, driving the mood to a low point. Around 1000 traveling fans stopped their support before the final whistle and booed the team afterward: 'You are not worthy of wearing this jersey' and 'Get lost' were heard. Captain Marco Komenda reacted deeply affected: 'That hits me. I am completely at a loss for words. There is hate, anger, and disappointment in me.'
In the match, Holstein Kiel started confidently, but Marvin Wanitzek scored early for Karlsruhe (9th minute). After halftime, Louey Ben Farhat made it 2:0 (61st), Wanitzek struck again (84th), before Marcus Müller pulled one back for Kiel (stoppage time). Coach Marcel Rapp faced absences before kickoff: Alexander Bernhardsson was not fit, Carl Johansson and Steven Skrzybski were injured. Despite possession, Kiel lacked chances, and Rapp commented: 'There is a lack of self-confidence, conviction, and perhaps also quality.'
Sports director Olaf Rebbe was disappointed: 'The situation is not satisfactory and massively disappointing. Since the Fürth game, we haven't really gotten back on our feet.' He left the coaching question open and said: 'We will discuss what happened today.' Striker Phil Harres reported from the locker room: 'In the locker room after the game, there was only silence. We were all completely frustrated.' A video analysis is scheduled for Sunday, followed by talks with the supervisory board. The responsible parties see not only Rapp, but also the squad and the winter break as sources of problems.