FC St. Pauli appoints Marcel Rapp as head coach ahead of DFB-Pokal clash with RW Essen

FC St. Pauli have named Marcel Rapp as their new head coach. Rapp, a former defender turned manager, previously led KSV Holstein Kiel for four and a half years, guiding the team to promotion to the Bundesliga in 2024 before they were relegated. Before that he spent more than eight years in various youth and interim senior roles at TSG Hoffenheim. Sport director Andreas Bornemann said, “We are pleased to have Marcel Rapp, who brings experience in German professional football and has proven he can shape teams and develop players.” Rapp added, “I am eager to start preparing for the new season and help the club take the next steps at the Kollaustraße and Millerntor.” The club will face 2. Bundesliga side RW Essen in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. Essen goalkeeper Jakob Golz, son of former HSV star Richard Golz, expressed his excitement about the upcoming tie, noting the intense atmosphere expected at the historic venue. Both clubs look to advance in the cup competition, with St. Pauli aiming to build on recent cup runs that have generated significant revenue.