2. Bundesliga 23/24 Season Preview: 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Kaiserslautern were the team that caught everyone by surprise, as the last team to guarantee their spot for the 2022/23 2. Bundesliga season many didn’t give Dirk Schuster’s side much hope…myself included. But, when they beat Hannover in the opening match of the season, their arrival was loud and noticeable.
Throughout the campaign, Kaiserslautern were dubbed the “comeback kids” for their incredible ability to pick up points when they were trailing. And, for some teams they found out the hard way when Kaiserslautern came steamrolling through to take one point or all three.
The rückrunde was a bit more challenging, teams forced Kaiserslautern into mundane pragmatism and they found it a bit harder to capture the glory from the previous months.
With a new season on the horizon, Kaiserslautern will look to avoid the fate of second season syndrome. Something so many sides have succumbed to in years past.
Team Details
Stadion (Capacity): Fritz-Walter-Stadion (49,780)
Kit manufacturer: Nike
Nicknames: Die roten Teufel (The Red Devils)
Coach: Dirk Schuster
Captain: Jean Zimmer
Signings & Departures
Signings: Jan Elvedi (Jahn Regensburg), Tymoteusz Puchacz (Union Berlin, loan), Tobias Raschl (Greuther Fürth), Richard Tachie (SC Paderborn 07), Hikmet Ciftci (Goztepe, loan return), Neal Gibs (Astoria Walldorf, loan return)
Departures: Robin Bormuth (SC Paderborn 07, end of loan), Nicolas de Preville (without club), Muhammed Kiprit (without club), Nicolai Rapp (Werder Bremen, end of loan), Dominik Schad (SC Preußen Münster), Jonas Weyand (Hessen Kassel), Angelos Stavridis (FC 08 Homburg)
Frugal.
That would be the best way to describe Kaiserslautern’s wheeling and dealing in the transfer market this summer. The squad is largely the same, with players who join on loan departing but not returning. That includes defender Robin Bormuth who returns to bitter neighbours Karlsruhe, whilst Nicolai Rapp returns to Werder Bremen.
Coming the other way to help improve the defensive depth is Jan Elvedi, who was part of the defensive core at Jahn Regensburg that was relegated last season. Kaiserslautern have also added Tobias Raschl into the midfield mix. A box-to-box midfielder with strong attacking and defensive qualities, but after a subpar spell in Fürth he hopes to rekindle his career under Schuster.
Speaking of rebuilding, Richard Tachie was the odd man out in Paderborn, but offers an additional option for Kaiserslautern in the final third.
Potential setup
Coach Schuster is an extremely experienced operator, and once again he leads the charge as Kaiserslautern prepare for their second consecutive season in the 2. Bundesliga. Mixing things up, or, in another way adding strings to the box seems to be the order for Kaiserslautern with pre-season showcasing a potential structural shift in the way Schuster looks to set his team up.
We did see a variation of 3-4-3 throughout the season, but this could be the most likely form Kaiserslautern will line up like this. Elvedi has had a solid preseason, and might get a look alongside the established Kevin Kraus and Boris Tomiak.
With Jean Zimmer for the first game after his red card on the final matchday last season against Fortuna Düsseldorf, he won’t feature against St. Pauli. Former world cup winner Erik Durm will most likely start. On the left, we’ve seen Hendrick Zuck be the main option. However, Tymoteusz Puchacz has impressed since joining on loan from Union Berlin, and can see the Poland wing-back getting the start over Zuck.
With a set-up that doesn’t require a number 10, Philipp Klement most likely won’t start. However, throughout the course of the season, his creativity and offensive production will be valuable. Raschl gets the nod as Schuster values a midfielder who can play both ends, something Klement simply doesn’t offer.
Terrence Boyd once again leads the line, despite recently succumbing to injury. The lack of striker depth is alarming, as Lex-Tyger Lobinger is a good back-up but I don’t believe at this time he’s ready to be the number one option. Expect Kaiserslautern to try and add another striker before the end of the window.
Fan Perspective
With just over a week until the new season begins, what are the hopes of the Kaiserslautern fans. I asked journalist Chris McCarthy to give me the lowdown about how Kaiserslautern shape up heading into the new campaign.
MK: What are your hopes for the upcoming season?
CM: Even though some fans started to dream about the 1. Bundesliga after a strong first half to last season, the main priority for the club must be to maintain the hard earned stability. It’s easy to forget that Kaiserslautern was more or less on the brink of extinction just two years ago. Another season without relegation fears while becoming more comfortable on the ball and more robust at the back would be a satisfying next step.
MK: Which summer signing are you most looking forward to seeing play?
CM: I believe Thomas Hengen might have one or two aces up his sleeve before the transfer window closes. But currently I’m most looking forward to see what Tobias Raschl has to offer. He always had the tools and the upside to develop into a genuine regular at top-flight level. After a frustrating end to his once promising spell at Greuther Fürth, the still only 23-year-old box-to-box midfielder now has the opportunity to thrive in a new environment and lift Kaiserslautern’s overall game to a new level with his undeniable creativity and technique. The dynamic Tymoteusz Puchacz, on loan from Union, could also be exciting as left (wing) back.
MK: Who is one player from Kaiserslautern fans of the league should keep an eye on?
CM: Philipp Hercher. After Kaiserslautern’s promotion 2022 he seemed destined for a prominent role or even a move. However, the speedy winger, who often played right back in 3. Liga but seems more natural further up the pitch, was hampered by injuries during the entire season 2022-2023. This time around the 27-year-old was able to complete the entire pre-season without any issues. In addition Dirk Schuster’s leaning towards a 3-4-3 seems to suit his game more. Hercher, who has a knack for scoring and setting up goals, could be in for a massive comeback-season.
MK: Fans should go to the Fritz-Walter-Stadion this season because?
CM: For the drama and the atmosphere. 1. FC Kaiserslautern might not be back in the 1. Bundesliga, but the entertainment and fan support is top drawer. Spectacular comebacks and breathtaking tifos are guaranteed on the Betzenberg. No team picked up more points after falling behind last season (18) – often very late in the game - and only Hamburg (53.470 / capacity 57.000) had a higher attendance on average than FCK (40.489 / capacity 49.350).
MK: Where do you think Kaiserslautern will finish this season?
CM: The squad has been improved in key areas, but further reinforcements are to be expected and probably needed – especially an alternative to top-scorer Terrence Boyd up front. All in all, Schuster seemingly favouring a system with a back three, which could lead to a more balanced and consistent approach. Unlike last season I don’t expected the Red Devils to flirt with promotion at any stage, but instead maintain a steady course. On and off the pitch.
Predictions
With a similar squad and a platform to build on, Kaiserslautern will be hopeful that they can turn a 9th placed from last season into something a bit more special. It’s with bated breath that the Betze faithful wait to see what this sleeping giant will produce this season.
The ceiling is progressing into the top six, but they will face stern competition from the likes of Karlsruhe, Paderborn and Magdeburg along with the promotion favourites. Worst case scenario, Kaiserslautern could find themselves in the relegation battle. Whilst the base has been improved, there are still areas for concern going forward.
Ultimately, this is a team that must alternate plans to ensure they don’t repeat the disappointing rückrunde of last season.