For Bundesliga contenders Holstein Kiel, the top game at SC Paderborn is on the agenda on Saturday. Against East Westphalia, who have been playing strongly recently, a man who was still an unknown quantity in professional football a few months ago will once again have to clean up the central midfield for the second-place team in the 2nd league: Nicolai Remberg.
Anyone who observes the 23-year-old in his everyday life and on the training pitch would probably not think that he has the nickname “Rambo”. Because unlike the muscle-bound film character from the US action series, Remberg is an extremely friendly and cheerful fellow. “I actually always laugh and like to joke, that’s how you recognize me,” explained the defensive specialist in an interview on the KSV YouTube channel.
“He is an absolute asset for us.”
— KSV-Coach Marcel Rapp
It’s no coincidence that Remberg is called “Rambo” by almost everyone: “When I was younger, a coach once said it to me because he noticed that he also likes to tackle. This then spread through all the teams. “
With his tough, but rarely unfair duel behavior and his overall robust style of play, the “six” had drawn the attention of various clubs in the last series, in which he played for the then regional league team Preußen Münster. He ultimately chose Holstein Kiel. And at the latest after Remberg’s great performance last Sunday against FC Schalke 04 (1-0), those responsible in Kiel can see themselves confirmed in the transfer of the former fourth division player.
“Rambo” Remberg is anything but ruthless
Against the Gelsenkirchen team, Remberg, alongside Marvin Schulz in the “double six”, prevented almost every even dangerous attack from the guests. The fact that he managed a single foul over the entire distance is a testament to his skillful tackling – and is not at all “Rambo”-like. The film character is ultimately – to say the least – quite ruthless in his “clean-up work”.
But Remberg doesn’t want to hurt his opponents. The 23-year-old just wants to steal the play equipment from them. “I just think it’s great to capture a ball,” said the KSV newcomer to the “Kieler Nachrichten”.
Sander replacement again
And that is exactly what his primary task will be again on Saturday (1 p.m., in the live center on >) in the top game at SC Paderborn. Because captain Philipp Sander is not yet fit to play again after his week-long injury break, coach Marcel Rapp will again appoint Remberg as his replacement. The coach never had any doubts about the qualities of the newcomer, who did not yet have a regular place in the first half of the season.
“He was able to reach our level right from the start. He wanted to learn every day. I saw in every training session that he performed well and pushed himself to the limit,” said Rapp, praising the 23-year-old: “He is an absolute asset for us us.”
Rapp: “Faced with a big challenge”
“Rambo” mentality will be required against Paderborn anyway. The East Westphalians started the second half of the season with seven points from three games and are only five points behind the “Storks”. This season, HSV (1:2) and Fortuna Düsseldorf (3:4), among others, have already experienced what happens when the SCP utilizes its great footballing potential.
“We have a big challenge ahead of us,” said Rapp, who experienced a sporting Waterloo with KSV at Pader last year when Holstein lost 7-2. “But the game no longer plays a role in my mind. Most of the players who were there back then are no longer with us today,” explained the coach.
Possible lineups:
SC Paderborn: Boevink – Curda, Ens, Musliu – Obermair, D. Kinsombi, Klefisch, Klaas – Bilbija, Kostons, Ansah
Holstein Kiel: Weiner – Becker, Erras, Kleine-Bekel – M. Schulz, Porath, Holtby, Remberg, Rothe – Skrzybski, Machino
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Schleswig-Holstein Magazine | 02/16/2024 | 19:30 o’clock