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.
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.
Our head coach spoke at the press conference before the away game against Karlsruher SC (May 3rd/1:30pm) about the mental freshness of his team, the course of action for the remaining games and his coaching colleague, whose commitment to KSC will end after six years this season.
Left hook, 'One hundred and eightyyyyyyy', and hand over the baton. Doesn't sound like football – and that's true. KSC is often associated with professional football, but with the sheer number of titles the club has won, it's worth looking beyond the pitch. Titles from Baden-Württemberg to Rome.
In a rescheduled Lotto Hessenliga match, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team hosted SV Hummetroth at their youth academy on Wednesday evening (April 29th) but unfortunately came away empty-handed. Despite a spirited performance and playing with one man less, the score after 90 minutes was 3-1 in favour of Hummetroth.