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.
Attention Lilien fans: During SV Darmstadt 98’s training camp in Bad Wörishofen (Allgäu region)—taking place from July 19th to July 26th, 2026—there will once again be an opportunity to meet the team, chat with the players, and, of course, get autographs and photos. The fan meet-up is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th, following the friendly match against SG Sonnenhof Großaspach. Kick-off for the match is at 12pm.
SV 98 remains active in the transfer market. The "Lilies" have signed Christopher Lannert from Arminia Bielefeld.
Friendly matches, fundraising campaigns, and plenty of photos—that’s what the week looked like for SV 98 and the club’s community. Between their 5–1 victory over FC Homburg and the upcoming friendly in Walldorf this Friday (July 17), the „Lilies“ showed their best side for the cameras. In addition, the SV 98 legends team will face an Odenwald select squad on Sunday (July 19th). You can also win great prizes in competitions taking place in Erbach and at the pop-up store in downtown Darmstadt. Lilies Across the Board brings you all the latest news from life at SV 98.
The Bundesliga finalised the match schedules for matchdays three through six on Wednesday (July 15th): Darmstadt's home game against Hannover 96 on matchday three will take place on Sunday. This will be followed by their away game against 1. FC Kaiserslautern on Saturday at 1pm. The home game against Arminia Bielefeld on Friday evening and the away game in Wolfsburg, also on Friday evening, have also been confirmed.
The Lilies can welcome another new arrival at the Böllenfalltor: Florian Kleinhansl will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 25-year-old joins on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with 1. FC Kaiserslautern on June 30th.
Third test, third clear victory. SV 98 won the match against FC 08 Homburg 5-1 (3-0).
SV Darmstadt 98 and the fusion energy company Focused Energy are entering into an official partnership. The aim of the collaboration is to more closely link top-level football and high technology from the Darmstadt region and to jointly generate momentum for innovation and future societal issues.
Killian Corredor will be playing in his home country again in the future. SV 98 has reached an agreement with FC Nantes on the transfer of the Frenchman.
On Tuesday (July 14, 6pm), SV Darmstadt 98 hosts Regionalliga side FC Homburg and asks fans to take note of the following information.
A home game against KSV! SV Darmstadt 98 hosts Holstein Kiel for the opening matchday of the 2. Bundesliga season this Saturday (August 8 at 1pm). Here’s how you can be there: the member pre-sale for the new season's first home game begins this coming Wednesday (July 15) at 12pm —available online and at the ticket shop at the Merck-Stadion, as usual. You can find all further details in this announcement.
For every home goal scored by the "Lilies," SV Darmstadt 98 fans were doubly rewarded during the recent 2025/26 second-division season. Beyond the joy and excitement, supporters received 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every goal Darmstadt scored at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
In recent days, various media outlets have published reports and graphics regarding the distribution of TV revenue for the 2026/27 season. Some of these reports included not only specific figures but also a comparison to the previous season. This comparison indicates a supposed revenue increase of €1.4 million for SV 98 compared to the 2025/26 season.