How does Torsten Lieberknecht classify what is happening in the relegation battle in the Bundesliga? How did he experience the Lilien comeback in Bochum and how does he look forward to the upcoming duel with Mainz 05 on Saturday afternoon (April 6th/3:30pm)? The Darmstadt head coach answered these and other questions at the press conference on Thursday (04/04). We have put together the most important Lieberknecht statements for you.
Player update: Fraser Hornby is back from England and is now continuing his rehabilitation in Darmstadt. He is missing, as are Fabian Nürnberger and Marvin Mehlem, both of whom are also training individually. Klaus Gjasula is also suspended due to his fifth yellow card. Mathias Honsak (ill) and Tim Skarke (muscular problems) are questionable. Andreas Müller, Luca Pfeiffer and Fabio Torsiello are back in training.
I feel a mix of anticipation and tension. It’s an amazing game because we’re still allowed to play a game like this with 14 points and the situation is what it is. I know how eager the team is to get the three points. We once again showed a sensational comeback in Bochum. That wasn’t the first time this season. We showed that we are massively committed to our dream of getting into the relegation playoff. Avoiding relegation is and remains our championship. We feel like we have the least to lose of all the teams down there. We have the feeling that we can win something massively. We all know that we need three points for this.
I try to give the team the security they need and give them clarity early on about how we want to present ourselves on match day. Overall, it remains a matter of keeping a cool head. I also try to show the boys that even if the situation seems difficult, it is still enjoyable. We have the least to lose of all the teams. For any team, it would probably feel like a shame to lose to us, bottom of the table. The boys should enjoy this and therefore stay relaxed. It’s an incredible situation to be able to still be there with this total.
Mainz first had to digest an 8-1 win in Munich. They did that. In Leipzig they had the necessary bit of luck, which is what I would like for us. They brought back their old strength, their Mainz DNA, by pressing high and aggressively in all positions. Mainz have just shown that in their home games. Under their new coach they want to think more forward. In addition, Mainz 05 has individual players like Lee, Gruda or the Darmstadt boy Burkardt who bring in a lot of energy – boys who are particularly strong in the transition game.
Already at the Bayern game you could tell that the team, the fans and the city had pulled themselves together even more. The experience in Bochum was just as important: the support from our fans there was once again exceptional. They contributed immensely to making it such a game in the end. Now there’s a neighborhood duel waiting where we don’t have to travel far. Many people from Darmstadt come along, the guest block is full. I’m looking forward to the game.
After the game against Bochum we had a good feeling within the team. Because we saw that what we trained during the international break was bearing fruit. Coming back to Bochum against such an opponent in this stadium gives us an incredible boost of energy. We want to take this into the game against Mainz.
On Tuesday evening (October 13th), the SilberLilien took part in SV Darmstadt 98’s Stolperstein tour for the first time. Along the approximately six-kilometre route, the participants made several stops to learn more about the fates of Jewish club members who were persecuted and driven out during the Holocaust.
From new grassroots sports offerings and a look back at the club's history to birthdays and the latest updates from the media briefing—there is plenty to report from SV Darmstadt 98 again this week. In "Lilien Across the Board," we round up the news, insights, and stories from life at the club.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team proved their mettle at home against KSV Hessen Kassel II in the Hessenliga on Sunday (Oct. 11th). After a convincing 90-minute performance, the Young Lilies secured another three points, finishing with a decisive 4–0 victory that lifts them to sixth place in the standings.
The Lilies overturned an early deficit to celebrate a 3–1 home victory against Energie Cottbus—a win that boosts confidence and confirms the progress being made. Read our analysis to find out why there is still work to be done and what positives SV 98 takes away from the match.
This season, too, Lilien fans will be doubly rewarded for every home goal scored by SV Darmstadt 98. In addition to the joy and excitement of the goals, the team's supporters will receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
After the international break, Darmstadt 98 returned to the Bölle with a home win! Against Energie Cottbus, SV Darmstadt 98 put on a spirited performance in front of their home crowd and rewarded themselves with three points after an intense match. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you here:
Despite falling behind, Darmstadt secured their second consecutive home win! Darmstadt defeated Energie Cottbus 3-1 (1-1). The home side equalised after conceding an early goal in the four-minute period through Weißhaupt before halftime. Vukotic headed his team into the lead in the second half, before Lührs sealed the victory with the third goal. This home win brings Darmstadt's season total to seven points.
Homegame at Böllenfalltor (10/10, 1pm): Florian Kohfeldt has made two changes to his starting XI compared to the away match in Wolfsburg three weeks ago. Richter and Mikelbrencis come into the starting lineup for Sickinger (calf issues) and Lannert (illness).
On Saturday afternoon (October 10th, 1pm), SV 98 hosts Energie Cottbus at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor for Matchday 7. What do the two head coaches have to say ahead of kick-off? Who is officiating the match, and where can you follow the action live? As always, we have compiled all the key information regarding the game against Cottbus in our "Matchday Guide" feature.
Tickets for the league match in Nürnberg (Nov. 7th) and the cup match in Elversberg (Oct. 27th) are available for purchase now.
For the upcoming home match on Saturday (October 10th, 2026, at 1pm), SV 98 asks you to take note of the following information. Since the start of the season, we have been offering dedicated entrances for women at the west side of the stadium. Additionally, there is a "Bölle Bande" family entrance with easier access at the Karl-Hess-Platz entrance. Please also take note of the information provided by HEAG regarding the autumn break.