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.
Attention Lilien fans: During SV Darmstadt 98’s training camp in Bad Wörishofen (Allgäu region)—taking place from July 19th to July 26th, 2026—there will once again be an opportunity to meet the team, chat with the players, and, of course, get autographs and photos. The fan meet-up is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th, following the friendly match against SG Sonnenhof Großaspach. Kick-off for the match is at 12pm.
SV 98 remains active in the transfer market. The "Lilies" have signed Christopher Lannert from Arminia Bielefeld.
Friendly matches, fundraising campaigns, and plenty of photos—that’s what the week looked like for SV 98 and the club’s community. Between their 5–1 victory over FC Homburg and the upcoming friendly in Walldorf this Friday (July 17), the „Lilies“ showed their best side for the cameras. In addition, the SV 98 legends team will face an Odenwald select squad on Sunday (July 19th). You can also win great prizes in competitions taking place in Erbach and at the pop-up store in downtown Darmstadt. Lilies Across the Board brings you all the latest news from life at SV 98.
The Bundesliga finalised the match schedules for matchdays three through six on Wednesday (July 15th): Darmstadt's home game against Hannover 96 on matchday three will take place on Sunday. This will be followed by their away game against 1. FC Kaiserslautern on Saturday at 1pm. The home game against Arminia Bielefeld on Friday evening and the away game in Wolfsburg, also on Friday evening, have also been confirmed.
The Lilies can welcome another new arrival at the Böllenfalltor: Florian Kleinhansl will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 25-year-old joins on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with 1. FC Kaiserslautern on June 30th.
Third test, third clear victory. SV 98 won the match against FC 08 Homburg 5-1 (3-0).
SV Darmstadt 98 and the fusion energy company Focused Energy are entering into an official partnership. The aim of the collaboration is to more closely link top-level football and high technology from the Darmstadt region and to jointly generate momentum for innovation and future societal issues.
Killian Corredor will be playing in his home country again in the future. SV 98 has reached an agreement with FC Nantes on the transfer of the Frenchman.
On Tuesday (July 14, 6pm), SV Darmstadt 98 hosts Regionalliga side FC Homburg and asks fans to take note of the following information.
A home game against KSV! SV Darmstadt 98 hosts Holstein Kiel for the opening matchday of the 2. Bundesliga season this Saturday (August 8 at 1pm). Here’s how you can be there: the member pre-sale for the new season's first home game begins this coming Wednesday (July 15) at 12pm —available online and at the ticket shop at the Merck-Stadion, as usual. You can find all further details in this announcement.
For every home goal scored by the "Lilies," SV Darmstadt 98 fans were doubly rewarded during the recent 2025/26 second-division season. Beyond the joy and excitement, supporters received 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every goal Darmstadt scored at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
In recent days, various media outlets have published reports and graphics regarding the distribution of TV revenue for the 2026/27 season. Some of these reports included not only specific figures but also a comparison to the previous season. This comparison indicates a supposed revenue increase of €1.4 million for SV 98 compared to the 2025/26 season.