St. Pauli confirm new head coach | OneFootball

FC St. Pauli have confirmed Marcel Rapp as their new head coach.

The former Holstein Kiel boss replaces Alexander Blessin, who was dismissed at the end of the 2025/26 season following the club's relegation from the Bundesliga.

“We’re delighted to have secured the services of Marcel Rapp as our new head coach. He brings experience at the highest level in Germany and has already demonstrated his ability to build teams and develop players. We’ll have to tweak our approach again in the second division and Marcel impressed us throughout our talks with his ideas, vision and drive," said St. Pauli sporting director Andreas Bornemann.

Rapp, who has been out of work since leaving Holstein Kiel in February, said:

“FC St. Pauli represents a very exciting challenge and I’m really looking forward to diving into the pre-season preparations straightaway. It’s an ambitious club that has made steady progress over the last few years and I’m eager to play an active part in shaping the next steps at the Kollau training complex and the Millerntor.

"I’m already familiar with the ground and the fans from when I came here with Kiel and I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere as the home coach.”