Yesterday evening, around 200 Darmstadt 98 fans gathered in the ENTEGA VIP lounge at the Merck Stadium on Böllenfalltor to discuss the atmosphere at the stadium. SV 98 primarily provided the platform for fans to discuss matters amongst themselves.
On the podium, team captain Marcel Schuhen, along with two chant leaders from the South Stand and one representative each from Block A and the opposite stand, spoke about the current atmosphere in the stadium, before Darmstadt fans in the audience were also given the opportunity to ask questions and make statements. These came from all sections of the stadium.
The entire discussion was characterised by an extraordinary degree of respect and a strong desire for cooperation. This made it possible to discuss even difficult topics or issues with differing opinions constructively. All fan representatives were also self-critical. There was unanimous agreement that the team was performing exceptionally well this season, while the fans had only been able to fully unleash their previously demonstrated potential for support in a few matches.
The perspective from the pitch was also important: the players are acutely aware of the energy emanating from the stands. A strong appeal was made to everyone that fans and players must act as a united front during the 90 minutes and provide each other with positive motivation. Criticism can always be voiced loudly after the final whistle; that’s part of being a professional. However, negative comments directed at one’s own players during the match only harm the team and the club, a point unanimously emphasised by everyone present. Playing at the Böllenfalltor stadium must once again be a „nasty“ experience for every opponent. What was previously portrayed as the old Bölle and its spartan changing rooms must now also be embraced by the fans.
„Actively supporting the team releases additional energy that could prove crucial as the season progresses,“ Schuhen affirmed. Accordingly, the hope on the pitch is that other sections of the stadium besides the South Stand will also participate in the support. Furthermore, a call came from there for other sections of the stadium, or even smaller groups, to start more chants and battle cries themselves. The current chant leaders also clarified that they are not particularly fond of the loudspeakers in front of the opposite stand and see their value primarily in disseminating information, such as during choreographies or in the event of a medical emergency during the cup match. The atmosphere and chants should spread authentically and organically, so the use of the loudspeakers in front of the opposite stand will continue to decline.
Naturally, the analysis also included examining which structural and constructional measures had led to the current status and which could lead to future improvements. Since these could only be medium- and long-term approaches, the focus quickly shifted to clarifying the „here and now,“ asking each individual what more they could contribute to positively impact the bigger picture.
The fans instructed SV 98 to revisit the pre-match activities and any rituals that may have disappeared over the years, as these could also contribute to a positive overall atmosphere.
Everyone present realised that a stadium atmosphere cannot be changed at the push of a button, but felt the evening was the start of a process in which the insights gained must now be carried forward to their own stadium environment and exemplified:
Returning to southern Hesse empty-handed, SV Darmstadt 98 suffered a 3-2 away defeat against Greuther Fürth. Particularly bitter: the Lilies twice took the lead in Franconia but ultimately succumbed. How do the two head coaches assess the 90 minutes? What do captain Marcel Schuhen and Kai Klefisch have to say about the loss? We've compiled all the post-match reactions for you.
No points in Franconia. After conceding two late goals, Darmstadt 98 lost 3-2 (1-1) to SpVgg Greuther Fürth.
Away game in Franconia. On matchday 30 (April 19th/1:30pm), Darmstadt 98 will visit SpVgg Greuther Fürth. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting eleven compared to last week. Isac Lidberg and Kai Klefisch return to the team after serving their suspensions, and Marco Richter also moves into the starting lineup. Matthias Bader will miss the match with a minor shoulder problem.
Darmstadt 98 travel to Greuther Fürth for Matchday 30. On Sunday (April 19th, 1:30pm), Greuther Fürth will host SV Darmstadt 98 at the Sportpark Ronhof. You can find the opinions of both coaches, the refereeing team, and the TV broadcast details for Sunday midday here. As usual, we've summarised all the important information about the match against Greuther Fürth in our "Matchday Guide" overview.
How does Florian Kohfeldt view his team's away record ahead of Sunday's match against SpVgg Greuther Fürth? How does he assess the Cloverleaf's defence, and what is the mood within the team? The Darmstadt head coach answered these and other questions at the press conference on Friday before the game in Fürth (April 19th, 1:30pm). We have summarised the most important statements from our head coach's press conference for you.
On Sunday (April 19th/1:30pm), Darmstadt 98 will play away against Greuther Fürth. To ensure you are fully prepared for the away match against the Cloverleaf, we have compiled all the important information for your visit to the stadium.
It was the sixth matchday of the 2017/18 season, a sunny Sunday in September, and the second division fixture between SpVgg Greuther Fürth and Fortuna Düsseldorf was on the schedule. With Florian Neuhaus, Friedhelm Funkel, and Serdar Dursun on or off the pitch, the duel ended 3-1 for Fürth – thanks in part to a brace from Dursun. At first glance, probably just a typical second division victory. But historically significant and unforgettable for everyone in Fürth.
Greuther Fürth hosts Darmstadt. SV Darmstadt 98 will visit SpVgg Greuther Fürth on Sunday (April 19th). Kick-off in Franconia is at 1:30 pm. Can the team from southern Hesse continue their winning streak against Fürth? And will Florian Kohfeldt and Isac Lidberg continue their winning streaks against Greuther Fürth? As usual, we've compiled the most important facts and figures about the match for you in our Top Facts.
From the early 1980s, he was active in the service of SV Darmstadt 98 for almost four decades: We Lilies congratulate the former team doctor of SVD, Dr. Michael Weingart, most sincerely on his 75th birthday this Wednesday (April 15th)!
There are five games left in the season, meaning a total of 15 points are still up for grabs. But Darmstadt's focus is entirely on Sunday's match (April 19th, 1:30pm) against Greuther Fürth. From the media briefing with Fabian Nürnberger, from the hockey pitch to San Antonio: We report on all these topics and many more. As usual, you can find all the latest news from SV 98's club life here in our weekly column "Lilies Across the Board."
SV 98 mourns the loss of its former player Roger Prinzen, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday evening (April 13th) at the age of 57.
The long wait for a point is over! After four consecutive defeats, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team finally secured some points. On their home turf, the young Lilies drew 1-1 against TSV Eintracht Stadtallendorf last Saturday (April 11th). Looking at the league table, it was clear even before the match that it wouldn't be easy, as a full ten places separated the two teams in the LOTTO Hessenliga standings. However, the Lilies' U21 team remained evenly matched with the seventh-placed side and collected a crucial home point.