1. FC Kaiserslautern 2025/26 season preview: Building on momentum | OneFootball

In 2024/25, Kaiserslautern finished 7th in the 2. Bundesliga, narrowly missing promotion but showing encouraging signs under head coach Torsten Lieberknecht towards the end of the season.

Transfers

FCK made several key moves in the summer transfer window to strengthen the squad. The standout arrival was midfielder Fabian Kunze, who joined from Hannover 96 on a free transfer. Kunze brings extensive experience at both the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga levels, known for his leadership and combative style in midfield.

Another important signing was creative midfielder Semih Şahin from SV Elversberg, who adds depth and flair to the midfield after an impressive season in Saarland.

In defence, promising South Korean centre-back Ji-soo Kim arrived on loan from Brentford, expected to bolster the backline with youthful energy and potential.

Ivan Prtajin arrives from Union Berlin, after Ragnar Ache moved on to the newly promoted Bundesliga side Köln after netting 18 times for FCK last term.

Pre-season Preparations

Kaiserslautern began pre-season training in late June, with coach Lieberknecht focusing on fitness and tactical drills. The team played several friendlies to prepare for the season ahead, opening with a strong 4-0 win over Notts County that showcased attacking promise.

However, the side faced tougher opposition in subsequent friendlies, narrowly losing 1-0 to Serie A outfit AS Roma and suffering close defeats against FC St. Gallen (1-0) and SSV Reutlingen (2-1).

Predicted Starting Line-up

In pre-season friendlies, Kaiserslautern primarily lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Julian Krahl was the goalkeeper, providing a reliable presence between the sticks.

Pre-season lineups aren't always indicative of the domestic campaign, with minutes in legs being the most vital aspect. So there could be changes among the back three containing Maxwell Gyamfi, Luca Sirch and Jannis Heuer that started against Roma.

In midfield, Semih Şahin played a deeper, more defensive role, alongside fellow new arrival Fabian Kunze.

Ivan Prtajin could lead the line for FCK in the upcoming term after arriving from Union Berlin, potentially with Marlon Ritter and Faride Alidou or Kenny Prince Redondo in behind as the attacking midfielders.

Predictions for the Upcoming Season

With a squad strengthened in key areas and a tactically astute coach in Lieberknecht, Kaiserslautern are poised to mount a serious promotion challenge after their recent upward trajectory.

Consistency will be vital, as will the ability to perform in tight matches throughout the season. If the new signings integrate well and injuries are kept to a minimum, FCK could be among the frontrunners in what promises to be a highly competitive 2. Bundesliga campaign.

Lautern begin their campaign in Niedersachsen on Sunday, away at Hannover. Their first home match will take place a week later against Schalke under their new head coach, Miron Muslic.