In a surprising shake-up, Holstein Kiel has announced the appointment of Olaf Rebbe as their new Sporting Director, effective April 22, 2025. This decision comes on the heels of the immediate dismissal of Carsten Wehlmann, who had been at the helm of the club's sports management as they grapple with relegation in the Bundesliga.
Holstein Kiel, currently sitting at the bottom of the Bundesliga table, made the announcement on April 18, 2025. The club's Supervisory Board, led by Dr. Stefan Tholund, expressed gratitude to Wehlmann for his efforts during a challenging season. "Carsten Wehlmann had the challenging task of preparing Holstein Kiel for the Bundesliga. That the team still has a chance to secure its place in the league shows that he has succeeded in a strong league with significantly more financially potent competitors," Tholund stated.
Despite the team's struggles, which see them four points adrift of safety before the 30th matchday, the board felt it was necessary to make a change in leadership. "However, we have come to the conviction that the club needs to be restructured at this point in its sporting management," Tholund added, wishing Wehlmann all the best for the future.
Olaf Rebbe, 46, steps into the role with an impressive background, having previously held positions at VfL Wolfsburg, Huddersfield Town, and PAOK Saloniki. Most recently, he served as the Sporting Director at 1. FC Nürnberg until February 2025, when he parted ways with the club due to differences with the sporting board. His contract with Nürnberg was dissolved amicably after nearly four years.
Rebbe's track record in player recruitment has been highlighted as a significant asset for Holstein Kiel. Dr. Tholund remarked, "With Olaf Rebbe, we are bringing in a nationally and internationally experienced Sporting Director who has proven to act prudently and successfully in the transfer market under the respective conditions of the clubs. He has consistently managed to sign developing players who have exceeded sporting expectations." This philosophy aligns with Holstein Kiel's ongoing strategy.
In his first comments since the appointment, Rebbe expressed excitement about the opportunity. "I have been following the successful development of Holstein Kiel for some time. Therefore, I also know what is expected of me here at this traditional club. The challenge of assembling a competitive team in a strong league environment under known economic conditions excites me, and I believe we have good prerequisites for a successful collaboration," he stated. Rebbe also thanked the supervisory board for their open and trusting discussions prior to his appointment.
As Holstein Kiel prepares for their upcoming match against RB Leipzig on April 19, 2025, the club's fans are hopeful that Rebbe's experience and strategic vision will be the catalyst needed to turn their fortunes around. The team has only managed to gather 18 points from 29 matches, presenting them with a daunting task to avoid relegation.
With Rebbe at the helm, the Störche are looking to rejuvenate their squad and secure their place in the Bundesliga. The upcoming press conference on April 23, 2025, will officially introduce Rebbe to the media and fans, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Holstein Kiel.
