Very far from home, second division Holstein Kiel completes part of his season preparation. The relegated team travels to the USA. There are intensive days for the players.
Kiel (dpa) – Early football club Holstein Kiel started his training camp in the USA early in the morning. In Minneapolis, the team of coach Marcel Rapp wants to prepare for the season, which starts at the beginning of August. On July 10, the Bundesliga relegation will be recovered in Kiel.
In addition to intensive training sessions, the program also includes a test game against Minnesota United FC from the Major League Soccer. A total of Rapp took 31 players with him.
To the USA “not only for marketing reasons”
Before the start of training last Monday, the 46-year-old defended the stay in the USA in an interview with the “kicker”. “We deliberately chose the training camp, not only for marketing reasons,” he said. Of course, it includes additional effort. “But we have very good conditions in Minnesota, we can grow together as a team even faster. Above all, we want to set new stimuli.” It is also a “breaking out of habits”.
First victory in the first test game
One day before departure, the Kielers won their first test game at the regional league team SC Weiche Flensburg 08 with 2: 1 (2-0). The goals for the storks scored Phil Harres (5th minute) and Lasse Rosenboom (32nd). Bjarne Schleemann (51st) scored for the Flensburg. During the break, Rapp had completely exchanged his team and brought eleven new players.
Some things were already good, “but of course we still have room for improvement at this early date,” said the head coach, according to the club website. “The commitment was good and all players stayed healthy. That makes me satisfied. We could have scored more goals, but it is important that we have earned the chances.” The anticipation of the coming days is great, he added with a view to the trip to the USA.
© DPA-Infocom, DPA: 250629-930-732795/1
