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.
Darmstadt 98 lost to Hannover 96 while playing with ten men and must continue to wait for their first win of this second division season. Read our analysis to find out what positives remain and why Darmstadt 98 had factored in setbacks on their chosen path.
Around the time of the home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), the Jonathan Heimes Square was officially inaugurated. Before kickoff, club president Markus Pfitzner and Martin Heimes, father of Jonathan Heimes, who died of cancer about ten years ago, gave speeches highlighting "Johnny's" importance and his commitment to people with cancer.
The Lilien Team Marathon is not just about athletic performance and the shared experience around the Böllenfalltor stadium – but also about making a difference together.
The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team drew 2-2 (0-1) against SV Unter-Flockenbach. After a heated home game, the young Lilies had to settle for a frustrating, but ultimately deserved, draw. In this extremely balanced league, Patrick Kurt's team continues to grow week by week, gaining valuable experience.
An emotional match with many controversial moments unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Ultimately, Darmstadt suffered their first home defeat of the young season. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you.
Tried everything, but to no avail: SV 98 came up short in their home game against Hannover 96. The final score was 1-0 (0-0) to the visitors, whilst the Lilies had to play with ten men after Vukotic was sent off in the 20th minute.
Home game against Hannover! On matchday 3, Darmstadt 98 will host the ambitious Lower Saxons at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting lineup compared to the victory in Jena. Hiroki Akiyama replaces the suspended Kai Klefisch, while Nicolas Verkooijen (making his first start) and Yosuke Furukawa start in place of Carlo Sickinger and Manolo Merx.
Weekend, Lilies fever! On Sunday (August 30th/1:30pm), the Lilies have their third matchday on the schedule. Hannover 96, the club from the Lower Saxon capital, will be visiting the Bölle. What do the two head coaches have to say before kickoff? Who will be refereeing the match? And where can you watch the game? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the match against Hannover in our "Matchday Guide"
One day before their home game against Hannover 96, Darmstadt 98 have announced another new signing. William Mikelbrencis will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 22-year-old Frenchman was under contract with Hamburger SV until June 30th.
In the press conference before the second home game of the still young season, our head coach spoke about, among other things, our team's attacking play and the past week. As usual, you can find the most important statements before the match against Hannover 96 (August 30th/1:30pm) here for you.
A second-division team on the Berlin Mount Olympus: Hannover 96 achieved something unique in 1992. On May 23, the Lower Saxony club defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in the DFB Cup final, securing another major title in the club's history 38 years after their German championship win in 1954. Hannover became the first and, to this day, only "true" second-division team to win the DFB Cup, causing one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history.
