Press conference on Thursday (September 25th) with Florian Kohfeldt. The head coach of SV Darmstadt 98 was available to speak to journalists in the press room of the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor ahead of the Lilies' home game against SG Dynamo Dresden (September 26, 6:30pm). Kohfeldt discussed the team's anticipation, the upcoming opponent, their own approach, and the squad situation. We've summarised the most important statements for you.
Personnel update: Paul Will and Matthias Bader are out. Fabian Nürnberger is injured, and his availability for Friday is still uncertain. All other players are available.
Dresden is a team with a clear game plan and plays combination football out from the back. They often look for the flanks to cross into the penalty area. Dresden has the right players for this up front with Daferner, Kutschke, and Vermeij. On the wings, they have players who can both occupy the box and engage in one-on-one situations. When they lose possession, they try to win possession early. Their idea is to be proactive.
It will be important for us to build pace after winning the ball deeper. At the same time, set pieces will also be an important aspect of the game, as we define ourselves offensively not only by our height, but also by a certain variety of play. What’s special about Dresden is that they make small adjustments depending on their opponents; for example, they changed their system against us in the cup last year. We tried to anticipate such changes and are prepared for them.
It’s great to be top of the table, and we enjoy it. It’s nothing to be ashamed of or to reflexively say, ‚Watch out, it’s dangerous.‘ That can motivate you to keep going. You want to feel the same way we felt after the game in Düsseldorf. That’s why being top of the table is a great thing. It doesn’t mean anything for the outcome of the season, but we’re happy about it and use it as an incentive to keep going. And, ideally, even go one step further.“
I think it’s really great that we have so many players who have a legitimate claim to be in the starting lineup. This is especially great because the players in the starting lineup know they can’t afford to make too many mistakes – in a negative sense. Of course, it also requires a lot of moderation, and talking about it with the guys takes a lot of energy.
Fraser knows he’s been involved in a lot of goals. He also creates space and orchestrates our pressing. Fraser is undoubtedly one of the most important players on our team and, in my opinion, has had an outstanding season so far. And there will be games where he scores goals in several games in a row. He’s absolutely at his best.
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.