John Tolkin suffered relegation from the German Bundesliga in his first season abroad, but isn’t planning for a lengthy stay in the second-tier.
Tolkin and his Holstein Kiel teammates are preparing for Saturday’s Bundesliga finale against Borussia Dortmund before the summer international window begins. The former New York Red Bulls homegrown defender made the move to Germany last January and quickly became a regular contributor in the squad.
Despite a sad ending to his opening four months with the club, Tolkin has high hopes for Holstein Kiel’s future.
“If all goes well, we will be back here at the end of next season,” Tolkin told reporters at a Bundesliga media roundtable on Thursday. “I think the team is going to be really solid next year and we are going to be fighting for promotion back to the Bundesliga.
“The Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in the world and the support each weekend has been great,” Tolkin said about the fans support. “Even in one of the saddest times of the season when we knew we were relegated, the fans were applauding us and clapping us for our efforts in the season.”
Tolkin, 22, has made 10 appearances for Holstein Kiel this season, registering two assists. He made his first start for the club against eventual league champions, Bayern Munich, while also appearing against RB Leipzig and Borussia Moenchengladbach.
While many young players might have to wait for their opportunity, Tolkin was thrown right into the mix and relished in the opportunity.
“I think the pinching myself moment was against Bayern,” Tolkin said about his move to the Bundesliga. “I remember the coach pulling me into his office and saying he was going to play me and overall I thought we did well that match.
“Being able to jump right into matches and into the culture has been pretty cool,” he added. “It’s provided a good opportunity for me to grow as a player and a person in a new country.”
Similar to several former MLS academy players, Tolkin is one of a growing list of American players in the Bundesliga. From Gio Reyna to Joe Scally to James Sands, the list of American talent continues to grow in Germany’s top flight.
While his competitive schedule takes priority, Tolkin did admit to connecting with his international teammates.
“I was able to talk to Joe [Scally] after the Gladbach game and just connect with how my time in Germany has been going,” he said. “James Sands is about one hour away in Hamburg so it’s pretty cool to have the guys not far away to connect with.”
Tolkin, who has four senior caps with the U.S. men’s national team, likely will be a candidate for Mauricio Pochettino’s CONCACAF Gold Cup roster this summer. The versatile fullback will certainly be fighting to become the USMNT’s No. 2 left back behind Antonee Robinson.
Whether or not Pochettino decides to call in Tolkin for June’s pair of pre-Gold Cup friendlies remains to be seen, but the New Jersey native is ready for the call either way.
“I had some contact with them this past week and I think in my eyes, I have played well enough to earn an opportunity,” Tolkin said. “I think for the friendlies and the Gold Cup, it would be a good chance for me, especially with the World Cup coming next year.”
Holstein Kiel will close its 2024-25 season on Saturday before a summer tour in the United States to kickstart the new campaign preparations.
