The two highlights of Nicolai Rapp's career to date have come with SV Werder Bremen and 1. FC Union Berlin, having secured promotion to the Bundesliga with both clubs. While Union needed a tense play-off victory over VfB Stuttgart in 2019, the Green-Whites finally secured direct promotion in 2022 in a meeting with Jahn Regensburg. “They were two very special moments,” said Rapp. “The play-off with Union was even closer. When the final whistle was blown, it was just amazing.”
The Heidelberg-born midfielder witnessed Union’s first Bundesliga experiences at the Alte Försterei first-hand. Captain Christopher Trimmel and striker Sheraldo Becker are the only two remaining players from the Berliners' squad, which is now participating in European competition for the third season in a row. Urs Fischer, one of the driving forces behind the club’s success, still plays a vital role for the side today. “He always sets up his team well for each opposition,” Rapp admitted with regards to the Swiss boss, who coached FC Basel to titles in both the league and domestic cup, and led FCU from the 2. Bundesliga into the Champions League in his first job abroad. “It’s difficult to score against [Union]. They know where their strengths lie: long balls and counterattacks. And they do that really well.”
Rapp is now in his third season at SV Werder. Since coming back from a loan spell at 1. FC Kaiserslautern, his versatility has made him a valuable presence at SVW. That is why he has appeared in every matchday squad so far, even though he has made only three competitive appearances this season. “Primarily, I’m trying to stay healthy, because that’s crucial in order to be able to help the team,” explained the midfield player. “Then, I’m trying to impress in training and give my all to be there if I’m needed.”
Goalkeeper Michael Zetterer recently proved that the team can rely on their back-up players. Rapp equally wants to be ready when the team needs him. A look into the dressing room makes the right-footer confident that Werder will soon turn the tide. “No one’s burying their head in the sand or doubting us,” said Rapp. “We have good cohesion and have fun together, which is also very important in difficult times. That makes me optimistic that we’ll get the three points against Union.”
