Killian Corredor has been wearing the Lily on his chest for almost a year. For the Frenchman, who moved to South Hesse in August 2024, this is his first summer preseason with SV 98. We met the 24-year-old at the training camp in Bad Wörishofen to talk about his first year as a Lily. In an interview with sv98.de, Corredor discusses his strong scoring stats, the differences between football in France and Germany, and his ongoing preseason. He also reveals why he enjoys being fouled and the importance of head coach Florian Kohfeldt for his development.
sv98.de: Killian, before we talk about last season and the current preseason. Anyone who’s seen your vacation photos might have gotten the impression that you’ve supplied all of France with Corredor jerseys…
Killian Corredor: (laughs) That’s true, my entire family and friends own Darmstadt jerseys and wear them often in their free time. I’ve probably bought 100 already. And now we have the new jersey, which I really like because of its vintage style. I’ll probably have to buy 200 of them. (laughs) It makes me very happy when family and friends wear the jersey and show that they’re proud of me and want to support me in this way.
In general, the support from your hometown seems to be great. Your parents are also often in Darmstadt…
Exactly, my parents and my friends are in Darmstadt regularly, and they even attended three home games. My girlfriend lives with me in Darmstadt anyway. My family is very passionate about football; my little brother is also a professional. We talk to each other every day; I’m a bit of a role model for him, too.
How satisfied was your family with your first season in Darmstadt?
Very satisfied. It was my first year outside of France, but it was decent.
So you’re also quite happy with your first season? 14 points is a strong haul, after all.
Yes, it was a good season for me. I was also very happy that I played in every game after my transfer. Nevertheless, I hope my next season will be even better. Eight goals and six assists are a good haul, but why shouldn’t I also be able to score ten goals and provide ten assists? (laughs)
What are you more pleased about: scoring or assisting?
I love both. So there’s no favourite.
What was your best goal for Darmstadt so far?
The goal against Fürth. A beautiful goal, and also my first goal for Darmstadt.
What differences have you noticed in general between football in France and Germany?
The intensity is different. The players are physically stronger than in France, and the game is very tough. However, I also think the referees in Germany are better. And the stadiums are, of course, incredible.
You mentioned physicality. Last season, you were the second-most fouled player in the league. Doesn’t that get annoying sometimes?
No, I like it. (grins) I love dribbling, and when I get fouled, it always feels like a small victory. Because I showed in that duel that I’m better.
Now let’s look ahead. You’re completing your first summer preseason with Darmstadt. How have the weeks so far been going?
I’m enjoying it. I feel very good and satisfied. Sometimes you get a little tired, but that’s normal at this stage. The anticipation for next season is much greater.
Compared to last summer, not much has changed in the squad; a few players left, some joined. How do you personally view the team?
It’s a very good team. I think it’s important that most of the team has stayed together. And the new signings are really good players.
You spend a lot of time with Merveille Papela and Jean-Paul Boëtius, who both speak French. You always seem to have a lot of fun…
They’ve become good friends and have helped me integrate even better into the team. My initial time here wasn’t easy because of the language, I admit. But that changed thanks to the help of Mey and then Djanga. My English has also improved; I understand a lot more now and can communicate more easily with all the players. So it’s not like I only talk to them (laughs).
You also share a room with Djanga. Is there ever any peace and quiet there?
No, never. (laughs) He’s crazy, but an amazing guy.
Florian Kohfeldt also speaks French. How important is he for you and your development overall?
It helps me a lot that the coach speaks French. It makes it much easier to understand his instructions and advice. Overall, he’s helped me a lot with my development. Before my move, I was always a central striker; here I play a different role. But it’s working well, especially because the coach helps me a lot.
The first few days of training camp are now over. What do you still want to work on here?
On everything. There’s still a lot to do. For each individual player, but of course also for the entire team. We want to be ready for the start of the season and are working hard for that. On our defensive processes. And on our offensive game.
What do you do between intensive training sessions?
I sleep a lot. (laughs) But I also watch Wimbledon and, of course, the Tour de France.
Who is your favourite rider?
Pogacar. He’s incredible.
You’ve also known for a few weeks that the season opens with a game against relegated Bundesliga team Bochum. How are you feeling about the opening game?
I’m really excited. I’m looking forward to our stadium and our fans. We want to start the season with a win.
How important would three points be at the start?
Three points are always the goal. A win would obviously be a good feeling to start the season, so we’re doing everything we can to deliver our best performance on this day.
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.