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.
Merck Autograph Session: With Pfeiffer, Klefisch and Lakenmacher
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.
Disappointment & pride
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.
Merx hat trick: U21 deservedly wins at Hünfelder SV
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.
HBRS and SV 98: Cooperation extended indefinitely
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.
„We must take the lead in the first half.“
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.
Lilies lose in Karlsruhe
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.
Team News: Five Changes in the Team
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.
Matchday Guide: All Information before KSC Game
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".
Paul Fernie extends his contract long-term and moves up to a management position.
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.
„You’ve seen horses vomit before.“
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.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
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.
U21: A Herculean effort whilst down to 10 men wasn’t enough
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.