After SV Darmstadt 98's 1-0 friendly win against Mainz 05, Paul Fernie was available to speak to the journalists present in a media round at the Bruchwegstadion. The Lilien's sports director spoke about the search for a coach, explained the requirements profile of a new head coach and gave insights into the discussions we had with Torsten Lieberknecht. We have put together the most important statements for you.
Sunday was a sad day for us as a club. A separation is never easy – especially not with a person like Torsten, who has experienced so many ups and downs here in Darmstadt in recent years. Torsten is not only a good coach, but also an outstanding person. It was basically the case that we sat together the day after a game. The conversations between me and Torsten on Sunday morning were very intense and emotional, but also very open and honest. The game at the weekend was of course an issue, as was our sporting situation in general. When I drove to Bölle on Sunday morning, I didn’t expect that I would have to find a new trainer that afternoon. I didn’t have that in my head yet. But after the discussions with Torsten, I didn’t have the 100% conviction to change his mind and carry on together with him.
There is not just a single moment like Elversberg. There is the whole history of this club. Not only the last few weeks, but also the last 15 months have done something to the club. Darmstadt has shown a lot of patience with coaches in the past – including Torsten. But we also have to take sporting development into account. Football is a results sport, Torsten himself said that in his video message. And we have to make sure we get results again as quickly as possible.
The human aspects and skills are elementary in our search for trainers. We need a person and coach who fits our club – someone who knows what it means to wear the lily on his chest. A coach at Darmstadt 98 must have a certain personality as well as charisma, passion and energy. In addition, his views must match the nature of our DNA on the field. The coach must be able to work with people and develop the players individually and a team as a whole. He also needs experience as a coach – experience in the 1st and 2nd league is of course an advantage.
We have had good discussions and are on the right track. The new coach should be there as quickly as possible. Because we have an important game ahead of us against Braunschweig. The aim is to have the new coach in place before this game.
A coach will come who is currently not under contract. Age doesn’t matter. In my career I’ve learned that it’s not about how old you are, it’s about how good you are. I haven’t spoken to any trainers I’ve worked with yet. We also talk to trainers who have already worked in Germany.
I have my shortlist. I was always prepared in case something like that could happen. Part of my job is to remain professional. It would be unprofessional if I waited for the moment and wasn’t prepared. We know what we need. We know what we want. We know which profile suits our team and our club.
Darmstadt is a special football location. You can see that just by how many people have contacted me in the last few days. I had to charge my phone several times a day (smiles). I also learned on my first days what it means to wear the Lily on my chest. We are an attractive location. We have a team with a lot of quality, but still has room for improvement to be able to play a good season. Overall, I have not yet received any rejections in my discussions with potential trainers.
Technique and tactics as well as physical and mental elements: none of that was right on Saturday. If one of these pillars doesn’t fit, you can perhaps get over it – but not if all four pillars don’t fit. If you’re not prepared to perform at your best, something like what happened in Elversberg can happen. Such a performance is definitely not what we want. After the game we were all very emotional. Emotions are part of football. The day after, however, it was important to deal with the situation objectively, professionally and in a solution-oriented manner. We did that together with the team.
We wanted to show that the game in Elversberg was an exception. We showed that. Our performance today was good, even if it was just a test match. It was important that the boys got their minutes. A 1-0 win like this is good for us.
The second consecutive away game, and the last of the season, is upon us. Once again on a Sunday (May 10th, 1:30pm), Darmstadt will be playing away – this time against SC Preußen Münster. Everything you need to know for your final away trip of the season to the LVM-Preußenstadion, about three and a half hours away, can be found here in the usual fan information section.
There's a lot going on at the Bölle. The 98th Darmstadt baby of 2026, along with their family, visited the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor, and they weren't the only ones. Where else the Bölle gang has ended up, and many more news items about the club, can be found here in our "Lilies Across the Board" section, as every Wednesday.
SV Darmstadt 98 informed all season ticket holders about the season ticket procedure for the 2026/27 season on Wednesday (May 6th) and would also like to share this letter on the club's own website.
Autographs, photos, and personal encounters with the Lilies: You'll have the opportunity to do so on Thursday (May 7th) from 5pm to 6pm. As part of an autograph session presented by Merck, Patric Pfeiffer, Kai Klefisch, and Fynn Lakenmacher will be at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. You'll also receive a ten percent discount in the fan shop during this time.
Darmstadt's 2-1 defeat at Karlsruher SC also ended any remaining theoretical hopes the South Hessian club had of finishing the season in the top three. The loss at the Wildpark stadium served somewhat as a symbol for the past few weeks, during which SV 98 had only managed one point from five matches since the international break in March. Following the game on Sunday afternoon, the Darmstadt players addressed the assembled media representatives with mixed feelings.
Three points! SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team secured a victory in the Lotto Hessenliga on Saturday afternoon (May 2nd). In their match against Hünfelder SV, the young Lilies overcame an early deficit to clinch a convincing 3-1 win. This result puts the U21 team currently outside the relegation zone. "Our trend is clearly upward," said a delighted U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt.
The successful collaboration between the Hessian Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association (HBRS) and SV Darmstadt 98 will continue long-term: Both partners have extended their existing agreement to promote inclusive sports indefinitely. This sends a clear signal for the sustainable development of inclusion and disability sports in Hesse.
A bitter end in Karlsruhe: After 90 entertaining minutes in which both teams sought salvation in attack, Darmstadt suffered a narrow defeat. The final score was 2-1 after a late goal from the home side, following Isac Lidberg's earlier equaliser. After the match, the players were particularly frustrated with the missed opportunities in the first half.
The away form continues to be poor: SV 98 suffered a 2-1 (0-0) defeat against Karlsruher SC. Lidberg scored the equaliser for the team from southern Hesse in the 70th minute.
Darmstadt 98 visit Karlsruher SC on matchday 32 (May 3rd, 1:30 PM). Florian Kohfeldt has made five changes to his starting lineup. Killian Corredor replaces the injured Fraser Hornby, Aleksandar Vukotic comes in for the suspended Patric Pfeiffer, and Fabian Holland starts in place of Matej Maglica, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Merveille Papela and Niklas Schmidt also join the team, replacing Sergio Lopez and Yosuke Furukawa. In addition to Hornby, Pfeiffer, and Maglica, Darmstadt will also be without the injured Matthias Bader, Fabian Nürnberger, and Luca Marseiler.
Finally, the weekend is here, finally Sunday! On Sunday afternoon (May 3rd, 1:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will face Karlsruher SC away. What do the two coaches have to say about the match, who will be refereeing, and where can you watch it if you're not at the stadium? All the important information about the Lilies' 32nd matchday is compiled for you here in "Matchday Guide".
Continuity in sporting management: SV Darmstadt 98 has extended Paul Fernie's contract early and for the long term. As part of the contract extension, the current sporting director will move into the club's management board and will now serve as managing director of sport.