Florian Kohfeldt answered questions from the assembled journalists at our press conference ahead of the away match against Dynamo Dresden (August 16, 1:30pm). We have summarised the key points from Kohfeldt’s remarks for you.
Squad update: Only the three long-term injured players—Luca Marseiler, Fabian Nürnberger, and Merveille Papela—will definitely be unavailable this coming Sunday.
He is a player we pursued very actively. And as we have often said, timing is crucial—especially in the market for strikers. In Milan’s case, the timing worked out in recent weeks in a way that made us say: “This is a player we rate incredibly highly.” Initially, it wasn’t possible at all, but then an opportunity arose, and we did everything we could to sign him. I can speak for both the club and myself as coach: I am incredibly happy to welcome him—and to see him in training for the first time today. He is a player with very clean technical skills; he has a good sense of space and the ability to make runs behind the defence. At the same time, thanks to his size and his performance in the Championship over the last six months, he also brings a great deal of physicality to the table.
Given the limited time we had spent together as a squad, we were actually further along against Kiel than I had anticipated—so I can’t say I expected more. Generally speaking, we controlled the game. However, we only managed to capitalise on that control by turning it into high-tempo attacking plays and converting them into scoring chances on a few isolated occasions.
We made some unforced errors at times. The opposition didn’t create a single scoring chance for themselves; we essentially handed every one of them over. That was a stark contrast to the clear-cut chances we created ourselves. Looking back, that was definitely a key issue.
Nevertheless, it is far more important to me to highlight the players‘ mindset. On the pitch, the team felt they had the game fundamentally under control—and the expectations we held going into our first home match were confirmed: the mentality and the hunger to never give up were abundantly clear. That applied to everyone, both on and off the pitch.
I believe Dynamo was one of the standout teams during the second half of last season. They employ a very possession-oriented, technical style of play—an approach they maintained even when results weren’t going their way—which commands great respect. They stayed the course with their development, a testament to the coach, the squad, and the club itself. They like to build play from the back and frequently make runs into the space behind the defence. In Vermeij, they have a focal point up front who can occupy pockets of space while also making a huge number of runs into depth away from the ball. They managed to retain or permanently sign almost all of last year’s squad. While they lost a key player in Amoako, they brought in Rapp—an incredibly experienced, proven player—to bolster the ranks. They employ a high press—playing with great intensity, especially at home—and they also benefit from a genuine home-field advantage at their stadium.
All in all, I rate this team very highly, not just for our upcoming match but for the season as a whole. I believe they are capable of making a strong impact in the 2. Bundesliga. We have a great deal of respect for them.
There are differences in stadium atmosphere across the 2. Bundesliga. Some players have never experienced anything like it—and, to be honest, I had to learn myself that this can actually influence the game and the player. We will prepare the lads accordingly, especially those who have never played in a stadium like that. After all, the Dresden stadium has an intensity that can really impact the match. But fundamentally, I stand by this: there is nothing better for a footballer than playing in such an atmosphere. For me, handling that is a mark of quality in a player; it makes you better rather than unsettling or intimidating you in any way.
On Sunday, the Lilies face a challenge in Baden: for the 8th matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 travel to take on Karlsruher SC. At the pre-match press conference, our head coach discussed the squad situation, the qualities of the opposition, and the team's motivation to get back to winning ways on the road.
On Sunday (October 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. KSC has a history that extends well beyond the confines of German football: the club from Baden once caused a stir on the European stage, writing a chapter that is still remembered today. But how did KSC manage to step into the international spotlight, and what made this success so special?
The next away match is coming up: this Sunday (October 18th, 1:30pm), the Lilien will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. As always, you can find all the essential information regarding travel and your visit to the stadium in the fan guidelines.
SV Darmstadt 98 invites all its members to come to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on November 1st, 2026, starting at 11:30am. Together, we aim to once again create the largest team photo in our club’s history—with the professional players in the front and the entire Lilies family behind them.
On Sunday (Oct 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. The side from Baden differs from the Lilies in several key respects. Furthermore, the match will see SV 98 cross paths with a former player once again. Find out here about other connections between the two clubs, as well as some particularly interesting statistics ahead of the encounter.
On Tuesday evening (October 13th), the SilberLilien took part in SV Darmstadt 98’s Stolperstein tour for the first time. Along the approximately six-kilometre route, the participants made several stops to learn more about the fates of Jewish club members who were persecuted and driven out during the Holocaust.
From new grassroots sports offerings and a look back at the club's history to birthdays and the latest updates from the media briefing—there is plenty to report from SV Darmstadt 98 again this week. In "Lilien Across the Board," we round up the news, insights, and stories from life at the club.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team proved their mettle at home against KSV Hessen Kassel II in the Hessenliga on Sunday (Oct. 11th). After a convincing 90-minute performance, the Young Lilies secured another three points, finishing with a decisive 4–0 victory that lifts them to sixth place in the standings.
The Lilies overturned an early deficit to celebrate a 3–1 home victory against Energie Cottbus—a win that boosts confidence and confirms the progress being made. Read our analysis to find out why there is still work to be done and what positives SV 98 takes away from the match.
This season, too, Lilien fans will be doubly rewarded for every home goal scored by SV Darmstadt 98. In addition to the joy and excitement of the goals, the team's supporters will receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
After the international break, Darmstadt 98 returned to the Bölle with a home win! Against Energie Cottbus, SV Darmstadt 98 put on a spirited performance in front of their home crowd and rewarded themselves with three points after an intense match. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you here: