Exclusive | “We can beat anyone” says Gigovic after Holstein Kiel Shock Union Berlin | OneFootball

Holstein Kiel won their first away league game of the season yesterday and moved within five points of safety thanks to a single Armin Gigovic goal against Union Berlin.

Kiel were camped in their own half for large parts of the game but Kiel were resolute and organised in defence. A spectacular change for the worst defence in Bundesliga.

The defensive rearguard was the foundation for a memorable victory.

Gigovic’s goal just before half-time sealed a valuable three points.

His strike from 12 yards was well-taken as he found space in a congested box to fire past a helpless Frederik Rönnow.

After the game, Gigovic provided an exclusive interview to discuss the win and his side’s hopes for survival.

A Big Moment

Gigovic said that his side can be proud of their performance and hopes it’s a turning point for their season.

“We were an ear-full all game and we are very happy. It’s a big moment.

“It doesn’t matter who we play against. Every game is important at the moment. Today we played against Union Berlin and of course, we are very happy. It was so important to get the three points. It’s a start.”

Staying Patient

In the 42nd minute, Gigovic received the ball in the Union box with his back to goal and defenders baring down on him. With his first touch he found some space, with his second, he moved the ball away from the defenders, and with his third he swivelled and fired a low shot into the goal.

It was his first goal of 2025 and only his fourth goal of the campaign.

It has been frustrating at times for the Bosnian striker but he is learning to be more patient.

“It was nice to get a goal today. I didn’t try to shoot straightaway, I was patient and obviously, I stopped, went again and found space to take the shot and I found the space between his legs.

“The goalkeeper thought I would go one way and I went the other so I’m very happy.

“I’m always happy to score but I’m more happy when we win and it’s of course nice to get the winning goal. It’s amazing for the guys and myself. Today, we put in a really solid defensive performance and now we just need to continue, to build.”

Anything is Possible

No Bundesliga side has ever avoided relegation with as few points as Holstein Kiel at this stage of the season. However, Gigovic believes that his side can beat anyone.

“We approached the game like always. Every game, we try to motivate each other, we talk a lot, we push each other, we tell each other it’s always possible.

“Against bigger clubs, we do the same and we proved that we can get points against anyone, we can beat good opponents so we came into this game with the same mindset and we showed it today.

“It’s easy to talk before the game but you have to perform on the pitch and today we did that.

“We can’t fly right now, we need to be grounded and keep pushing every training, day-by-day. We are excited for the next game at home so it’s a good moment.”

With just ten games remaining of the season, Kiel may have to perform miracles.

But with Gigovic leading the attack, anything is possible.

Now just five points from safety and St. Pauli, Kiel are looking cut the deficit against Stuttgart next weekend.

GGFN | Oscar O’Mara