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.
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.