The last home game of the year is coming up. Before the game against 1. FC Kaiserslautern (December 14th/8.30pm) the press conference took place on Thursday (December 12th). In this, head coach Florian Kohfeldt answered questions about the upcoming opponent, the form of both teams and also discussed the central defender position for the Lilies. We have summarised the most important statements for you.
Personnel update: Fabian Holland, Christoph Zimmermann, Paul Will and Matthias Bader are still missing. There is still a small question mark behind Matej Maglica, who is due to train with the team again for the first time after his illness on Friday.
They are two teams that are currently in very good form. In terms of results over the last five games, the Lauterers are even a bit better than us. Both teams are in a good phase. Saturday evening, 8:30pm, is a worthy setting. We are looking forward to an exciting fifty-fifty game.
Münster adapted a lot to us two weeks ago, they defended very deeply. Of course I don’t expect that against Kaiserslautern. They play aggressively against the ball and are very man-oriented, especially in midfield. With Elvedi, someone in the back three is missing, so we’ll have to see whether they stick with this formation. They score a lot of goals from transitions after winning the ball. We have to take into account many variables. We approach the game with great respect.
After the day off on Tuesday, yesterday I found a team that was very fresh and focused. And they say they absolutely want to make the two remaining games this year successful. We’ve had a good phase now, but we want to keep going. The team is very hungry and focused and was a little angry that “only” two points came from the good performances of the English week. We have to channel this mood. Because we need a cool head against Kaiserslautern and have to be very confident. Against Münster we were even a bit lacking in motivation at times, so I hope we can settle in well.
I’ll be honest: I didn’t expect this development ofVuko. He deserves a lot of praise for still having such a learning curve at this age. It’s the first time in his life that he’s played this kind of opening game and also defending, but he’s fully committed to it and it’s working. That commands respect from me. For Clemens and Vuko, consistency in their interaction is important, even with the outside defenders. Clemens has managed to focus on his own performance and at the same time takes on responsibility within the team. His development may not be as spectacular as Vuko’s, but I still see it.
But I would also like to mention Matej Maglica, who played outstandingly in Fürth and very well in Bremen. I wouldn’t have any concerns about letting him play for one of the other two or in a back three. That speaks for the ambition of all three players. They defend in training like it’s a cup final. That’s exactly the right attitude.
SV Darmstadt 98 informed all season ticket holders about the season ticket procedure for the 2026/27 season on Wednesday (May 6th) and would also like to share this letter on the club's own website.
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.