1200 Lily fans accompany SV 98 to the Millerntor for the cup game against Teutonia 05 Ottensen. Before the first round encounter with the regional league team (18.08/3.30pm), Torsten Lieberknecht answered the questions of the journalists present at the press conference on Friday (16.08). We have summarised the most important statements for you.
Personnel update: In addition to the injured Fabian Holland and Alexander Brunst, Klaus Gjasula (ill) and Sergio Lopez (thigh problems) are missing. Othmane El Idrissi is available for the cup, his ban only applies to league play.
Karol Niemczycki will be in goal. We clearly communicated that he would play in the cup competition. Especially since Alexander Brunst will be missing injured.
Isac is a classic striker, Killian brings variability and can also operate on the wing or as a hanging striker. Both players have different athletic temperaments. Both players close open positions in our squad, now only the position of the wide left is open.
We have to win the game. With the necessary respect for Ottensen, but of course an elimination like last year shouldn’t happen to us again. Ottensen has undergone an extreme upheaval. They have some experienced guys with them, so far they mostly play in a 5-4-1 or a 5-2-3. They have a lot of speed in the team, as we have to defend the counterattack situations well and pay attention to the remaining defense.
The mood in the team is inquisitive and goal-oriented. The boys are upset about the situation, but not nervous. I know that this team will develop and I instill in them that they will soon score points. But now it’s all about Ottensen and that we have to win.
We want to win games. No matter what competition. Preparing for the game is identical to preparing for a league game. This week we continued to work on the things that we did better in Paderborn than against Düsseldorf, but of course also on the things that weren’t so good.
The DFB Cup is an outstanding competition that, as is well known, has its own rules. If you perform well and have a bit of luck, then you can be in the final as an underdog. Just like it was with Kaiserslautern last season. Of course, that’s everyone’s dream.
The second consecutive away game, and the last of the season, is upon us. Once again on a Sunday (May 10th, 1:30pm), Darmstadt will be playing away – this time against SC Preußen Münster. Everything you need to know for your final away trip of the season to the LVM-Preußenstadion, about three and a half hours away, can be found here in the usual fan information section.
There's a lot going on at the Bölle. The 98th Darmstadt baby of 2026, along with their family, visited the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor, and they weren't the only ones. Where else the Bölle gang has ended up, and many more news items about the club, can be found here in our "Lilies Across the Board" section, as every Wednesday.
SV Darmstadt 98 informed all season ticket holders about the season ticket procedure for the 2026/27 season on Wednesday (May 6th) and would also like to share this letter on the club's own website.
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.