Press conference in the Merck Stadium at the Böllenfalltor. Before the last game of the season against Borussia Dortmund (May 18th/3:30pm), Torsten Lieberknecht answered questions from the journalists present in the PK room. The head coach of the Lilies spoke about the upcoming duel and looked at the current season and also the coming season. We have summarised the most important statements for you.
Personnel update: For the reasons already communicated, Fabian Holland, Fraser Hornby, Braydon Manu, Clemens Riedel and Sebastian Polter are still missing. Fabian Nürnberger, who is scheduled for shoulder surgery, is not available. Aaron Seydel (infection), Gerrit Holtmann (back pain) and Bartol Franjic (thigh problems) are also not there. Luca Pfeiffer suffered a metatarsal fracture yesterday, Wednesday, and he will also undergo surgery soon. Jannik Müller is also suspended for yellow. Matthias Bader is back on the field with a face mask.
I was just as frustrated the next day as I was on match day. We played a game that wasn’t worthy of the setting. There was a choreo, the fans wanted to see a sensible game again. But we all completely screwed that up. We talked about it the day after – first about the content. Then for me it was about focusing on the game against Borussia Dortmund.
I spoke to both of them and we sorted it out. In the dressing room they shook hands in front of the entire team. The matter is now settled. There is no rift in the team. But a certain frustration and emotionality are also normal when you go through the season for so long, frustratingly with few highlights. We are all disappointed.
As is well known and deservedly, Dortmund is in the Champions League final. From a German perspective, they will hopefully win the final. We, on the other hand, want to go onto the pitch on Saturday and consistently carry out the things we discussed beforehand. The important thing is to grab the honor. Everyone should do everything they can to deliver a sensible game.
I hated the word “enjoy” from the moment we got promoted because I knew it wouldn’t be fun in the Bundesliga. It is of course a privilege to come to the first division and to be able to play there. But we didn’t prove that we were suitable for the first division. Because we all – including me – have made mistakes. The many injuries were also a difficult part of our season – and therefore also part of our error analysis. Looking at the lineups, due to massive injury problems, I was unable to put a team on the pitch that could develop continuously.
We are in the process of setting the course for the future. Everyone – including me – is extremely motivated to show exactly what we showed the two years before: From an average second division team, we have formed a team that identifies with the club. We have a clean and sensible structure in the team for the new season, to which we want to add fresh blood from outside – and have already done so with Fynn Lakenmacher. It is important that these changes happen. The possibility of this is due, among other things, to the fact that many contracts are expiring. We want to bring together a team that will provide bright light again. I also know what I can do and what I am capable of and what we will achieve together with Paul.
On Tuesday evening (October 13th), the SilberLilien took part in SV Darmstadt 98’s Stolperstein tour for the first time. Along the approximately six-kilometre route, the participants made several stops to learn more about the fates of Jewish club members who were persecuted and driven out during the Holocaust.
From new grassroots sports offerings and a look back at the club's history to birthdays and the latest updates from the media briefing—there is plenty to report from SV Darmstadt 98 again this week. In "Lilien Across the Board," we round up the news, insights, and stories from life at the club.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team proved their mettle at home against KSV Hessen Kassel II in the Hessenliga on Sunday (Oct. 11th). After a convincing 90-minute performance, the Young Lilies secured another three points, finishing with a decisive 4–0 victory that lifts them to sixth place in the standings.
The Lilies overturned an early deficit to celebrate a 3–1 home victory against Energie Cottbus—a win that boosts confidence and confirms the progress being made. Read our analysis to find out why there is still work to be done and what positives SV 98 takes away from the match.
This season, too, Lilien fans will be doubly rewarded for every home goal scored by SV Darmstadt 98. In addition to the joy and excitement of the goals, the team's supporters will receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
After the international break, Darmstadt 98 returned to the Bölle with a home win! Against Energie Cottbus, SV Darmstadt 98 put on a spirited performance in front of their home crowd and rewarded themselves with three points after an intense match. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you here:
Despite falling behind, Darmstadt secured their second consecutive home win! Darmstadt defeated Energie Cottbus 3-1 (1-1). The home side equalised after conceding an early goal in the four-minute period through Weißhaupt before halftime. Vukotic headed his team into the lead in the second half, before Lührs sealed the victory with the third goal. This home win brings Darmstadt's season total to seven points.
Homegame at Böllenfalltor (10/10, 1pm): Florian Kohfeldt has made two changes to his starting XI compared to the away match in Wolfsburg three weeks ago. Richter and Mikelbrencis come into the starting lineup for Sickinger (calf issues) and Lannert (illness).
On Saturday afternoon (October 10th, 1pm), SV 98 hosts Energie Cottbus at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor for Matchday 7. What do the two head coaches have to say ahead of kick-off? Who is officiating the match, and where can you follow the action live? As always, we have compiled all the key information regarding the game against Cottbus in our "Matchday Guide" feature.
Tickets for the league match in Nürnberg (Nov. 7th) and the cup match in Elversberg (Oct. 27th) are available for purchase now.
For the upcoming home match on Saturday (October 10th, 2026, at 1pm), SV 98 asks you to take note of the following information. Since the start of the season, we have been offering dedicated entrances for women at the west side of the stadium. Additionally, there is a "Bölle Bande" family entrance with easier access at the Karl-Hess-Platz entrance. Please also take note of the information provided by HEAG regarding the autumn break.