Early rises were the order of the day as SV Darmstadt 98 began their summer training camp on Friday morning (June 20th). With the first rays of sunshine, the first players arrived at the training building on Nieder-Ramstädter Straße – and they were all feeling palpable anticipation. "Have you missed us?" Marcel Schuhen called out to the group, cheerful and dressed for summer, as he headed toward the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Fellow goalkeeper Alexander Brunst also reflected the positive mood. With a broad grin, he addressed the camera: "I hope you're all well. It's finally starting again!"
After several weeks of summer break, the 98ers team begins its intensive preparation phase for the upcoming 2025/26 second division season. As usual, the Lilies will begin with medical examinations and performance diagnostic tests before returning to the training ground on Sunday (June 22nd).
To kick off their summer preseason, all SV Darmstadt 98 players had their blood drawn between 7 and 9am on Friday morning. At the same time, they also stepped on the scales: Body fat and muscle mass were recorded to gain an overview of their fitness level after the summer break. The first two days of preseason are traditionally dedicated to medical diagnostics and sports science analysis. In addition to blood tests, the Lilies players also underwent a comprehensive internal medical check-up on Friday, during which general health parameters were recorded.
On Saturday (June 21st), the focus shifts to the weight room: mobility analyses, stability and strength tests are on the agenda to obtain a comprehensive picture of each individual player’s physical performance.
After completing this test phase, football will finally return to the pitch on Sunday (June 22nd): Head coach Florian Kohfeldt will invite his team to the first official training session of the new season. The ball will roll again at 2pm in the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor – in front of a crowd in the main stand. All Lilien fans are cordially invited to attend the public training kickoff. Access is via the entrance at the Lilienschänke; the stadium gate opens at 1:30pm. A stadium kiosk at the main stand will also be open, so you can get food and drinks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.