14.07.2025 / English
Halfway through the training camp
Halfway through the training camp. The Lilies have completed six sessions so far, focusing on different areas: opening the game, defending in the block. But challenging sprints, demanding strength circuits, and regeneration phases have also characterised the training plan so far.
Six units, lots of content
„We’re in for a tough week,“ prophesied Fraser Hornby on Thursday evening after arriving in Bad Wörishofen. After a strength training session on the day of arrival, which particularly challenged the players‘ upper bodies rather than their travel-weary legs, this pattern changed over the next two days. The focus was on recognising spaces away from the ball, quick shifts of play, and determined transitions. This was also reflected in finding solutions in the final third and finishing. Those who attended the two sessions on Friday saw much of the content that Florian Kohfeldt had already announced as part of the program for the days in Allgäu after the friendly against Notts County. A striking feature was a tactics board at the side of the pitch, on which the players were repeatedly given brief tactical instructions.
On Saturday, this tool was again in place on the tartan track, close to the pitch, while Kohfeldt gave his usual loud coaching: „Quick passes, quick goals!“ This clear message accompanied the various game formats on different pitch sizes. Once again, quick action and transitions were demanded.
Hot temperatures, maximum speed
In the afternoon, sheer willpower was much more important. Sprints across the entire pitch. Hot temperatures, maximum speed. A textbook example of the often-cited rigors of a training camp. This was followed by more games. Despite the lactate in their legs, the players continued to play at a high pace, wearing each other out in duels, and even a brief disagreement after a duel was loudly audible. Intensity, emotions, and a willingness to perform. „We want to get off to a good start to the season,“ explained new signing Semih Güler in a media briefing during the training camp. The foundation for this will be laid, especially during the days in Allgäu.
However, head coach Kohfeldt and the coaching staff know full well that the red zone cannot be permanent. Therefore, regeneration was the focus on Sunday. A bike ride and a short program on the training ground concluded the sporting activities. This also meant starting the new week with recharged batteries. Two friendly matches await next Thursday (July 17th). The tough test against FC St. Gallen starts at 3 p.m., followed immediately by a match against FV Rot-Weiß Weiler.
We’ll provide you with daily updates on social media with impressions from training, interviews, and exclusive insights into everyday life at the training camp.
Merck Autograph Session: With Pfeiffer, Klefisch and Lakenmacher
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.
Disappointment & pride
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.
Merx hat trick: U21 deservedly wins at Hünfelder SV
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.
HBRS and SV 98: Cooperation extended indefinitely
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.
„We must take the lead in the first half.“
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.
Lilies lose in Karlsruhe
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.
Team News: Five Changes in the Team
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.
Matchday Guide: All Information before KSC Game
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".
Paul Fernie extends his contract long-term and moves up to a management position.
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.
„You’ve seen horses vomit before.“
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.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
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.
U21: A Herculean effort whilst down to 10 men wasn’t enough
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.