18.06.2024 / English
Karol Niemczycki in Portrait
The fourth newcomer for the 2024/25 season is goalkeeper Karol Niemczycki. The 24-year-old already has a lot of international experience, in addition to the Polish first division, Karol has already played in the Netherlands and with Fortuna Düsseldorf in the 2nd Bundesliga. We took a closer look at our new keeper and would like to introduce you to Karol.
Good communication is part of the basic repertoire for every modern goalkeeper, but being able to make announcements in three languages is something special. The new SVD keeper can claim exactly that. He speaks both Polish and English, and has been able to speak German for over a year now. Karol Niemczycki was born in Krakow and played for several Polish clubs in his youth. In 2017, the goalkeeper moved abroad and moved to NAC Breda in the Netherlands. Here he took up the Dutch language; some of his instructions were given twice and in two languages. After two years, the 1.90 meter tall goalkeeper returned home. In an interview conducted by the Polish Football Association PZPN after winning the quarter-finals in the domestic cup competition of the 2021/22 season, he said: “I have already gotten used to changing languages on the field. That’s not a big problem for me.“ says Karol. He has now thrown the Dutch language overboard in order to be able to focus fully on the German language.
In the summer of 2023, he took another step into a new country; in Düsseldorf, the 24-year-old played in the 2nd Bundesliga and was also able to play between the posts in two DFB Cup games. Now comes the next step for the Pole. “I mainly need good people around me to feel good.” “It can be friends, family as well as teammates,” says Karol with regard to another change of scenery. “I had very good discussions with those responsible, I’m really looking forward to getting things started here,” says Niemczycki, looking forward to his time with the Lilies.
Karol has already been able to spend time with the Polish national team, and it is a special honour for him to train with players like Wojciech Szczęsny. But what type of player is Karol? „I’m more of a calm, level-headed type.“ I think if you look at the current top goalkeepers like Ter Stegen, Alisson or Thibaut Courtois, there is a change in the goalkeeping game. “Keepers like Oliver Kahn were more in the “crazy” category,” says the new SVD keeper about his goalkeeping game. The fans can be all the louder and crazier, Niemczycki is enthusiastic about the full stadiums in the 2nd Bundesliga: “Every stadium is full, the atmosphere is great, you don’t get that in every country.”
Welcome to Darmstadt, Karol!
DFB-Pokal Second Round: Lilies in Elversberg
The draw for the second round of the DFB-Pokal has taken place: SV Darmstadt 98 will play away at SV Elversberg. This was the result of the draw held at the German Football Museum on Saturday evening (September 5th), featuring "draw master" Bastian Schweinsteiger and broadcast live on ARD's Sportschau.
“Seriousness was lacking in our game.”
A solid first half, including a missed penalty and a bitter goal just before the halftime whistle. And a second half that left everyone involved fuming afterward. In the end, a deserved defeat was recorded, and the Darmstadt players were correspondingly self-critical. Here are the reactions to the 3 - 0 loss at 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
No points at the Betzenberg
Darmstadt 98 will return to southern Hesse empty-handed: 1. FC Kaiserslautern secured a 3-0 (1-0) victory on Saturday afternoon. Sauer (43') scored from close range just before halftime, and in the 64th minute, the Red Devils added another through Tazemeta. Berisha then sealed the win in stoppage time (90+4). Darmstadt 98 remain on just one point after four matchdays this season.
Team News: Kehl and Lührs make their Starting XI Debuts
Darmstadt 98 travel to Betzenberg for their fourth matchday away at 1. FC Kaiserslautern. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting lineup compared to the Hannover 96 game. Kai Klefisch returns to the starting eleven after serving his suspension, with Nicolas Verkooijen initially taking a place on the bench. Yannik Lührs replaces the suspended Aleksandar Vukotic, while Lars Kehl comes in for Yosuke Furukawa. It will be the first start for both players. William Mikelbrencis is in the squad for the first time, while Manolo Merx is unavailable due to illness.
Matchday Guide: All Information about the Kaiserslautern Game
Up to the Betzenberg! On Saturday (September 5th/1pm), SV 98 will be playing away against FC Kaiserslautern as part of Matchday 4. What do the two head coaches have to say before kickoff? Who will be refereeing the match? And where can you watch the game? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the match against Kaiserslautern for you in our "Matchday Guide".
„Let’s not be influenced“
Our head coach spoke about the important "four-field" (the area between the stands and the goal) and his belief in the team's development ahead of tomorrow's away game at the Betzenberg stadium. As usual, you can find the most important statements before the match against Kaiserslautern (September 5th, 1pm) here.
A boxing club of encounters
Commitment to sports, respectful interaction, and joint efforts for a better Darmstadt. All the values that SV Darmstadt 98 strives to embody, and which the Martinsviertel Boxing Club is also meant to symbolise, came together on Thursday evening (September 3rd). At the Boxing Club's open house, which also marked the launch of a joint project between SV 98, the independent organisation Rope e.V., and the Darmstadt Youth Services, the foundation was laid for a new sports program in the Martinsviertel district.
Opposition Check: Kaiserslautern
For 1. FC Kaiserslautern, sporting tragedy and triumph were separated by just seven days in May 1996. On May 18th, after a 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen, the club’s first-ever relegation from the Bundesliga was confirmed. After 33 years of uninterrupted top-flight football, the Red Devils had to make the drop to the second division. But just one week later, the chance for a conciliatory end to the season presented itself at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. FCK seized it. With a 1-0 victory against Karlsruher SC, Kaiserslautern won the DFB Cup for the second time, after their first title in 1990.
Facts & Figures: The top facts about the Kaiserslautern game
On Saturday (September 5th), Darmstadt will travel to Kaiserslautern for their fourth matchday fixture. Their historical record against Kaiserslautern couldn't be more balanced: five wins, five draws, and five losses. All the other facts and figures surrounding the match can be found here.
Lilies start in Bundesliga Talent Series
A premiere for SV 98. The Lilies have played their first match in the "Bundesliga Talent Series". In the newly introduced additional U21 competition, the team from southern Hesse drew 3-3 (2-1) with SV Elversberg despite trailing at the break.
Fan Information: Kaiserslautern
On Saturday afternoon (September 5th, 1pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will play away against 1. FC Kaiserslautern. This report provides you with all the important information for your visit to the stadium. For Darmstadt fans who decide to attend at the last minute: There will be a ticket office for the away section (more information below).
Open Day | Meeting point: Main Train Station
The train, the train, the train has no brakes! At least musically – because our relief train to Kaiserslautern really picks up speed on Saturday (September 5th). We also look back at the official inauguration of Jonathan-Heimes-Platz and get ready for the opening of the Martinsviertel Boxing Club. As usual, in "Lilies Across the Board" you'll find all the news and stories from the club life of SV Darmstadt 98.