19.06.2024 / English
Klefisch changes to SV 98
The Lilies have signed defensive midfielder Kai Klefisch (24) from SC Paderborn to SV Darmstadt 98. Both clubs agreed not to disclose the transfer terms.
Paul Fernie: „Kai Klefisch has already played almost 50 second division games. At the age of 24, he has the opportunity to take further development steps. We have been interested in him for a long time and are happy that the transfer has now worked out. We are I am convinced that he will quickly get used to us and can be an important building block for the coming season.“
Torsten Lieberknecht: „I like the way Kai acts for his team on the field. With him we are gaining a mentality player with a strong will to win. He is a professional who is strong in tackling and running and can also organize and read a game well. We are pleased that the change worked out in time for the start and that Kai will take part in the entire preparation starting tomorrow.”
Kai Klefisch: „I was very happy about the Lilies‘ interest because I had had the club on my radar for a long time. Accordingly, I am very happy to be a Lily from now on. The discussions with those responsible were particularly great, which is why I immediately had a great feeling. In addition, the conditions here at the Böllenfalltor offer the ideal conditions for further development and taking the next step. Now I can hardly wait to get to know the team in the next few days and get started .“
Klefisch was active for Bayer Leverkusen for a total of eight years in his youth, including in Viktoria Köln’s youth team from 2014 to 2018. There he also made the leap to the professionals: the Leverkusen native played a total of 114 competitive games for the Rhinelander, including 95 third division games and two matches in the DFB Cup. In 2022 he joined SC Paderborn. At SCP, Klefisch played 44 second division games and four cup games.
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Organisational information for the Kiel game
On Saturday (August 8th, 1pm), SV 98 asks you to take note of the following information for the upcoming home game. For the start of the season, we will be offering women's entrances at the west entrances. Additionally, there will be a "Bölle Bande" family entrance with easier access at the Karl-Hess-Platz entrance. Furthermore, in addition to the existing regulations, visitors are permitted to bring one non-alcoholic beverage in PET bottles up to 0.5 litres into the stadium for this game.
“Our mentality can be a very great strength.”
Where do Darmstadt 98 stand? What are our head coach's expectations for the visitors? And how satisfied are we with the summer break? Florian Kohfeldt answered questions from journalists at today's press conference ahead of the season opener against Holstein Kiel (August 8th, 1pm). We've summarised Kohfeldt's key statements from the press conference for you.
Facts and Figures: The Top Stats Before the Kiel Game
The ball will finally start rolling again at the Merck Stadium on Saturday. Darmstadt 98 kick off their new second division season with a home game against Holstein Kiel. The Lilies are unbeaten against Kiel in their last seven competitive matches. All the other facts and figures surrounding the season opener can be found here.
RMV CombiTicket: New access point for day tickets and digital WirLilien tickets
The RMV combined ticket remains free of charge with the stadium ticket. However, day tickets and digital WirLilien tickets will now require a separate digital request before each home game. All information about the new procedure can be found here.
Starting Friday: Member presale for Kaiserslautern tickets
On Matchday 4 of the 2026/27 2. Bundesliga season, Darmstadt 98 will be in action in Rhineland-Palatinate. At the Fritz-Walter-Stadion, SV 98 will face 1. FC Kaiserslautern in their second away game of the season. Here's how you can be there: Member pre-sale tickets for this match start this coming Friday (August 7th) at 12 noon – both online and at the ticket office at the Merck-Stadion.
Lilies‘ diverse range: Anticipation for the start of the league
This week, Darmstadt 98's focus is entirely on the start of the new season. However, there was plenty going on around the first team: while numerous children were introduced to various sports at the second recreational sports camp, sporting director Paul Fernie answered questions from the media. All the latest news from SV Darmstadt 98 can be found, as usual, in "Lilies Across the Board".
Stream the full dose of Darmstadt 98!
Stream all Darmstadt 98 matches in the 2nd Bundesliga and the DFB Cup live with Sky Sport on WOW!
SVD vs. Kiel: Win ENTEGA fan seats
Once again this season, our premium partner ENTEGA is creating unique stadium experiences. For every home match, you can win two VIP fan seats in the main stand and also gain access to the ENTEGA VIP Lounge. The application deadline for the match against Kiel is Thursday (August 6th) at 12pm.
Successful start: U21 celebrates emphatic away win in Kassel.
SV Darmstadt 98’s U21 team has made a successful start to the new Lotto Hessenliga season. On Sunday afternoon (August 2nd), the "Young Lilies" secured a 1-5 (0-1) victory away at CSC 03 Kassel. After a controlled first half, the Lilies asserted their dominance in the second period through clinical transition play.
Draw in the dress rehearsal
SV Darmstadt 98 and English second-division side Portsmouth played out a goalless draw in their final warm-up match before the official start of the season.
Featuring a chest band and convertible collar: the 2026/27 away jersey.
The "Lilies'" matchday attire for away games has been finalised: SV Darmstadt 98 will take the field in the new season wearing away jerseys made of cream-colored mesh fabric, incorporating design elements from the home shirt.
„We want to improve as a group.“
Patrick Kurt has been working in the youth setup at SV Darmstadt 98 since 2016. This summer, the former U19 coach took charge of the U21 squad, with the aim of integrating the "Young Lilies" into men's football and preparing them for the professional game. Ahead of the season opener against CSC Kassel, Kurt discusses his development as a coach, his new role, and the importance of experienced leaders within the team.