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.
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.