SV Darmstadt 98 remains undefeated and, after two opening wins, picks up a point against Hertha BSC: The Lilies drew 0-0 with the promotion favourites from the capital. What did the Darmstadt players say about the hard-fought 90 minutes at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor? What do both head coaches think of the game? We've compiled all the comments on the match for you.
„It was a game that should never have ended 0-0. But it certainly wasn’t a boring afternoon. We were a bit surprised at the beginning that Hertha was sitting so compact and deep. Accordingly, we had to change our strategy and relied more on deep runs and shifts away from the ball. That put us in a few situations. Overall, however, we had problems gaining defensive control on the wing in the 4-2-3-1. After switching to a back three, we were the better team and more courageous going forward, creating more chances. We had great chances through Bartosz Bialek, which Tjark Ernst saved superbly. In the final minute, we were lucky that Fabian Reese didn’t score. The scene showed that defending Hertha’s quality for 90 minutes is one of the toughest tasks in the 2. Bundesliga. Despite the last chance, we put in a good to very good performance. Either team could have won the game, even though I thought we had one or two more chances. We’ve had a very good start to the season. Now we’re looking forward to the duel at the Betzenberg.“
„I honestly don’t know exactly what to make of the 0-0 draw. Overall, I’m satisfied with our performance. It was our best performance of the season against a very strong and versatile opponent. We got off to a good start, initially relinquished control, and didn’t want to give the opponent any space to make deep runs. We ourselves played well. However, you still have to pay attention to Darmstadt’s individual quality and their set pieces. After the break, we were stable until the Lilies switched to a back three. After that, we initially struggled to adjust. Nevertheless, the boys defended everything and had some good chances going forward. Then we had two great chances: Tjark Ernst made an excellent save, and at the other, Fabian Reese nearly landed a lucky punch that we would have liked to have taken. Ultimately, our performance gives us confidence for the challenges ahead.“
„It was the tough game we expected, even if Hertha didn’t start quite as well as we did. You could see the individual quality Hertha brought. The game was a bit strange, it went back and forth. When it ends 3-3, no one complains. Usually, Fabian Reese scores his big chance just before the end. If we take our chances, the game can end differently – so I think it’s a fair point split. We wanted to keep the three points here, which unfortunately we didn’t manage. But fundamentally, we’ll take the point and not let our heads hang. In the end, you could definitely see that we still have energy to play on. Our pressing was also really good today.“
„Hertha sat very deep today and showed respect for us – you have to work for that. We pushed through our game, had good set pieces, and hardly conceded anything. Defensively, we were great, and I thought Mey Papela played a top game at right back today. The three-man defence allowed the defenders to defend forward, which made things a little easier for the defensive midfielders. After that, Hertha didn’t have much. That shows that we can play both systems. It was important for us that we didn’t lose our heads. Apart from the last move with Reese, we remained very stable against a good counter-attacking team. We wanted to win this game, and it showed. In the end, though, we take the point and the result. It was a better 0-0 today because we tried everything. We’ve got a good points average so far and are one round further in the cup – so we’re all happy.“
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.