Foto: SV 98 22.06.2025 / English
Kick-off at Bölle: “Now is the time to sweat in the sun”
The long wait is over! On Sunday afternoon (June 22nd), head coach Florian Kohfeldt invited his team onto the pitch at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor in temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Instead of cooling off at the outdoor pool, around 350 spectators made their way to Bölle to watch the Lilies for 60 minutes of their opening training session.
After the team began their preseason on Friday (June 20th) with numerous tests and examinations, the players now had a ball at their feet for the first time. The players entered the Merck Stadium to thunderous applause. After a warm-up program with stretching exercises, the program focused primarily on passing drills. This was followed by a game format that focused particularly on tackling, before the opening session was rounded off with a special final game. Two teams competed against each other and had to keep the ball up while running a certain distance. The winning team received loud cheers from the stands at the end.
Now we can really get started again
„I think there’s nothing better than being at the Bölle with our fans and our team. We’re starting the new season with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. Even though the players were on vacation, you could tell they’d been working hard during the break,“ said sporting director Paul Fernie.
Florian Kohfeldt’s anticipation for the start of the preseason was also clearly evident: „The boys have returned in good shape. I’m really looking forward to the summer preseason with the team,“ said the head coach, before adding: „The time to lie in the sun is over. Now it’s time to sweat in the sun.“
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 All newcomers included
The spectators not only saw familiar faces, but also got a first glimpse of the new signings. Leon Klassen, Yosuke Furukawa, and Benedikt Börner were able to showcase their footballing prowess for the first time. Fabian Nürnberger and Jean-Paul Boëtius were still absent because they are or were still playing for their national teams. Boëtius will face the Dominican Republic in the CONCACAF Gold Cup tonight with Suriname. Oscar Vilhelmsson was absent due to discussions with another club, and Paul Will was absent due to illness.
From July in the training camp
Following the opening game, the focus in the coming weeks will be on getting into the best possible shape for the start of the season. The first friendly match is scheduled for June 29th, when the Lilies will face group league side SV Traisa at 2pm. Another friendly against Viktoria Aschaffenburg in Reichelsheim is scheduled for July 2nd. The match on July 9th is also fixed: At 6:30pm, the Lilies will host the traditional English club Notts County in the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. This year’s SV 98 training camp will take the team to Allgäu – from July 10th to 18th, the Lilies will set up camp in Bad Wörishofen. SV 98 will announce the remaining friendly match opponents in due course.
Defeat with Heart
Darmstadt 98 lost to Hannover 96 while playing with ten men and must continue to wait for their first win of this second division season. Read our analysis to find out what positives remain and why Darmstadt 98 had factored in setbacks on their chosen path.
Jonathan-Heimes-Platz officially opened
Around the time of the home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), the Jonathan Heimes Square was officially inaugurated. Before kickoff, club president Markus Pfitzner and Martin Heimes, father of Jonathan Heimes, who died of cancer about ten years ago, gave speeches highlighting "Johnny's" importance and his commitment to people with cancer.
Running together to do good: “Run for ME/CFS”
The Lilien Team Marathon is not just about athletic performance and the shared experience around the Böllenfalltor stadium – but also about making a difference together.
Still undefeated
The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team drew 2-2 (0-1) against SV Unter-Flockenbach. After a heated home game, the young Lilies had to settle for a frustrating, but ultimately deserved, draw. In this extremely balanced league, Patrick Kurt's team continues to grow week by week, gaining valuable experience.
“Our belief in this path is immense.”
An emotional match with many controversial moments unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Ultimately, Darmstadt suffered their first home defeat of the young season. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you.
Outnumbered: Lilies Lose to 96ers
Tried everything, but to no avail: SV 98 came up short in their home game against Hannover 96. The final score was 1-0 (0-0) to the visitors, whilst the Lilies had to play with ten men after Vukotic was sent off in the 20th minute.
Team News: Three Changes in the Starting XI
Home game against Hannover! On matchday 3, Darmstadt 98 will host the ambitious Lower Saxons at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting lineup compared to the victory in Jena. Hiroki Akiyama replaces the suspended Kai Klefisch, while Nicolas Verkooijen (making his first start) and Yosuke Furukawa start in place of Carlo Sickinger and Manolo Merx.
Matchday Guide: All Information before the Hannover Game
Weekend, Lilies fever! On Sunday (August 30th/1:30pm), the Lilies have their third matchday on the schedule. Hannover 96, the club from the Lower Saxon capital, will be visiting the Bölle. 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 Hannover in our "Matchday Guide"
Transfer News: Mikelbrencis strengthens SV 98
One day before their home game against Hannover 96, Darmstadt 98 have announced another new signing. William Mikelbrencis will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 22-year-old Frenchman was under contract with Hamburger SV until June 30th.
“I’d be up for it”
In the press conference before the second home game of the still young season, our head coach spoke about, among other things, our team's attacking play and the past week. As usual, you can find the most important statements before the match against Hannover 96 (August 30th/1:30pm) here for you.
Opposition Check: Hannover 96
A second-division team on the Berlin Mount Olympus: Hannover 96 achieved something unique in 1992. On May 23, the Lower Saxony club defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in the DFB Cup final, securing another major title in the club's history 38 years after their German championship win in 1954. Hannover became the first and, to this day, only "true" second-division team to win the DFB Cup, causing one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history.
