Marcel Rapp: “We lacked counter-attacking opportunities”

Holstein Kiel’s coach discussed the reasons behind his team’s cup exit at the hands of holders VfB Stuttgart.

Holstein Kiel’s hopes of reaching the DFB-Pokal semi-final for only the third time in their history collapsed after a 3-0 home defeat to VfB Stuttgart. The 2. Bundesliga side were in the game until the 90th minute before conceding two late goals to the defending champions.

“We started the game well and had two good chances,” said head coach Marcel Rapp after the game. “From my perspective, we defended well afterwards. But, we lacked counter-attacking opportunities.”

Kiel knocked out two Bundesliga clubs in the previous rounds with away wins against VfL Wolfsburg and Hamburger SV. Wednesday’s tie was their first home game in the competition this term.

“We threw everything forward towards the end of the game, and had a chance to equalize. Stuttgart then exploited the space they were given. Considering the result, we underperformed today and lost the game on the attacking side.” concluded Kiel’s long-term boss.

At the midpoint of the quarter-final stage, Hertha BSC are the only remaining 2. Bundesliga team in the competition. The capital city club will host the in-form SC Freiburg side next Tuesday, before the game of the round between Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig the following day.