We caught up with Paul Fernie for an interview at the training camp in Bad Wörishofen. Our sporting director spoke about the conditions on site, the team's hierarchy, and the status of squad planning, among other things. We've summarised the most important points. You can also find the full interview in video form here.
I’m very happy. This is our first time in Bad Wörishofen. There are always three things that are crucial for us: the quality of the course, the regeneration options at the hotel, and the food. This ensures optimal training and recovery. All three criteria are definitely met here.
During preparation, the foundation is always laid in fitness. This applies particularly in the first few weeks, but will continue here in the training camp. The first focus is therefore intensity and robustness, in order to build injury resistance for the season. This week also offers optimal opportunities to further develop our game plan and consolidate certain patterns. There is also a lot of video content, which is just as important as the sessions on the pitch. Constantly being together is also very important. One should not underestimate the importance of building this spirit and creating a connection.
Something has developed over the past twelve months. Last season, the media frequently asked about leaders and leading players in our team. In my opinion, the old-fashioned type of leader who constantly shouts and leads everyone is rare these days. We place a lot of emphasis on personal development. We want to give the players we have responsibility, and then we’ll see who wants to take on that responsibility. A core is gradually emerging within the team, and I’m very pleased to see this progress.
It’s important to find the right balance between focus, performance, and enjoyment. And I see a team that works very focused and professionally, but also always has fun and enjoyment. And that’s incredibly important. We had a transition last season, and now it’s all about fine-tuning. And all the new signings have integrated very well; the team makes it very easy for them in that regard.
We’ve already made quite some progress, and I’m very happy with the things we’ve accomplished so far. The goal is always to have the squad as largely complete as possible by the start of the season. We’re at that point, but of course the transfer window is still open, and I don’t have a crystal ball to know exactly what might happen next.
I’m very happy that they’re both in training camp now and are getting a crash course in Darmstadt 98. Bartosz has a great finish and is strong in the air. We weren’t really in need of a centre-forward, but there are always situations where you have to make a decision about whether a player could help us. And that’s the case with Bartosz. Hiroki is very confident on the ball, a ball magnet. He’s resistant to pressure and ensures a certain level of control of the game. It’s obviously a challenge for him: a new club, a new country. But we’ve had good experiences with that recently.
I’m ready. Ever since the games were scheduled, we’ve had the first matchday against Bochum as our goal. There’s nothing better than being able to play the first game at the Bölle in front of our fans.
After 13 unbeaten second-division matches, SV Darmstadt 98 suffered their first defeat this Friday evening. Three unfortunate minutes just before halftime, during which Patric Pfeiffer was sent off and Vincent Vermeij scored twice, paved the way for Dresden's victory. After the match, the focus was primarily on the differing assessments of two very similar incidents by the refereeing team – incidents which both coaches subsequently evaluated identically.
For the first time since October, Darmstadt 98 finished a league match without any points: SV 98 lost 3-1 (2-0) to SG Dynamo Dresden. After a controversial red card against Patric Pfeiffer (42nd minute), the home side scored two goals in first-half stoppage time to secure the victory.
Under the floodlights at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadium. On Friday evening (February 27th/6:30pm), Darmstadt 98 will play away against Dynamo Dresden. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting eleven. Raoul Petretta makes his first start, replacing Fabian Holland. Luca Marseiler starts in place of the suspended Marco Richter, and Hiroki Akiyama replaces Fraser Hornby, who is sidelined with a thigh injury. Fabian Nürnberger, Matthias Bader, and Bartosz Bialek remain unavailable due to injury.
A floodlit match at the Rudolf-Haribig-Stadion is always something special. Darmstadt 98 are aiming to take three points back to southern Hesse this Friday evening (February 27th). Kick-off is at 6:30pm. All the important information about the 24th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga is clearly summarised for you in our "Matchday Guide".
Darmstadt 98 aim to extend their unbeaten run to 14 games in Friday evening's match against Dynamo Dresden. While Darmstadt's potent attack has resulted in a respectable goal tally, they are wary at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. The Saxons have been on an upward trend since the winter break and will have a vociferous home crowd behind them. We've compiled all the facts and figures surrounding this clash in this report. Here you'll find the key facts for tomorrow's match.
Darmstadt and Dresden are 598 kilometres apart. On Friday evening (February 27th, 6:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will travel to the Saxon capital for the 24th matchday of the 2nd Bundesliga. The next away game will take place under the floodlights at the historic Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. You can find all relevant fan information here.
Before SV Darmstadt 98 plays under floodlights in Dresden on Friday evening (27.02/18.30), Florian Kohfeldt spoke at the press conference about the strengths of Dynamo Dresden and the special atmosphere in the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion.
Raoul Petretta joined SV Darmstadt 98 in the winter and already feels very much at home. He talks about his arrival and his goals. Besides their sporting focus, the Lilies are also committed to sustainability: On March 15, 2026, over 3,500 trees will be planted as part of the fifth "In the Sign of the Lily" tree-planting campaign. In our "Lilies Across the Board" section, we provide you with the most important news from SV Darmstadt 98 every week.
Numerous Dynamo Dresden fans flock to the stadium on home match days. But one day, they came for a single reason: What should their stadium be called in the future? Tens of thousands of supporters gathered in front of the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, ready to cast their votes. In cooperation with regional partners, Dynamo Dresden's management took the unusual step of letting the club's supporters decide for themselves.
WirLilien – Together for nature conservation! Together with our partner Krombacher, we will once again plant more than 3,500 trees on Sunday (March 15th) – under the banner of the Lily. You can still register for the event at short notice.
On Friday (February 27th, 7:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team begins the second phase of their Hessenliga season. With 23 points after 20 matchdays, the Lilies are currently in 14th place. Following intensive weeks of winter training, the team aims to start the upcoming challenges with renewed energy and secure crucial points.
A fast-paced, thrilling exchange between SV Darmstadt 98 and Fortuna Düsseldorf reached its ecstatic climax in the 88th minute. Thanks to Matej Maglica's header, Darmstadt secured a 2-1 victory in a wild battle that resembled a 12-round boxing match, with both sides neglecting their defences and constantly searching for the next hook or punch. A day later, sv98.de looks back on what was probably the most exciting home game of the season so far for the South Hessian side.