Foto: SV 98 24.06.2024 / English
In front of 1000 fans: Lilien back in training
The SVD is back on the training ground! On Saturday morning (June 22nd), head coach Torsten Lieberknecht invited his team onto the pitch in the Merck Stadium and the Lilies trained for almost 90 minutes in front of around 1,000 spectators. After the team started preparations on Thursday (June 20) with numerous tests and examinations, the players now had a ball on their feet for the first time.
The players entered the interior of the Merck Stadium to applause; the main stand was already well occupied shortly before 11am. After the warm-up program, running exercises and passing stations are on the program. A lively 11 against 11 game followed before the opening session was rounded off with crosses and shots on goal. Every goal was loudly cheered from the stands.
Lilies want to create euphoria
“We all have a responsibility to continue to build this positive energy and atmosphere.” “We also want to show the fans that we have learned something from last season,” said Paul Fernie, who was enthusiastic about the number of spectators. Torsten Lieberknecht was also clearly looking forward to the preparation that had now begun. “I think it’s an exciting time at the moment, we have an exciting squad together, exciting people, the structure around it has also changed a little,” said the head coach, before adding: “It’s all done with sense and understanding .” with the aim of doing everything for Darmstadt 98.”
There are six new additions
The spectators not only saw familiar faces, but were also able to get a first impression of the new arrivals. With the exception of Aleksandar Vukotic, for whom the final formalities regarding his work permit still need to be clarified, all of the new Lilies were on the pitch; the injured Fabian Holland and Fabian Nürnberger were also missing. “Every club has the goal of having the squad together as best as possible before the start of training.” We have managed that well so far. We’re not quite finished yet, but we’re well on the way. Now it’s about quickly integrating the players,” said sports director Fernie about the current SVD squad. Torsten Lieberknecht is also looking forward to working with the new faces: “The players all showed great desire and hunger in the discussions.”
Training camp from Monday
After the start, preparations are now happening in quick succession: On Monday morning the 98ers travel to Lautenbach in the Black Forest, where the Lilies will spend their first training camp of the summer until Friday. “We will definitely be working on sports there.” “It will be a mix of running units and training on the pitch,” says Lieberknecht, looking ahead to the coming week.