Post from Paul

Hello dear Darmstadt fans,

In recent months, we’ve been very busy on the sporting side preparing for the start of the season and navigating the transfer window, which is always a very active and dynamic phase. While I’m very pleased with the progress we’ve made so far, I’ve also been thinking about the channels and content we want to use for communication. This process of reflection has led me to try something new.

We all know that communication is key, and that misunderstandings, especially in football, usually arise when things aren’t clearly addressed or explained. That’s why I want to take this opportunity to talk to you, the fans, more regularly about topics related to Darmstadt 98.

For this reason, you’ll be able to read more from me here in the future. It’s important to me to share my daily life as sporting director and various aspects of my work with you. That’s why we’ve created the new column „Post from Paul,“ where I’ll give you insights in every issue of the Lilienkurier into topics that regularly occupy me in my role. Professional football is much more than just the 90 minutes on the pitch at the weekend. A lot happens behind closed doors and is therefore difficult for the public to understand.

My goal is to give you a deeper insight into our thinking and decision-making processes without revealing all our secrets to visiting clubs who might also read this column. I’m also open to topics you consider relevant, so don’t hesitate to bring them up if you see me.

Until next time, Paul

Hello dear Darmstadt fans,

I’m delighted that some of you have already contacted me about this new section and even provided some input for my post. Looking back at the recent transfer window, the question kept coming up: what criteria do we use to select our new signings, and what does it take to be a Darmstadt 98 player? That’s not so easy to answer.

Footballing skills are just one part of the bigger picture. For our scouting, we use a specific data model that helps us identify players who could fit our playing philosophy. The first crucial step was defining this philosophy as precisely as possible. This detailed development was something I dedicated a great deal of time and energy to, especially during my first few months in Darmstadt. Our definition goes far beyond a rough description like „attacking football with lots of possession.“ My goal was, and still is, to find the right people who fit this philosophy. This doesn’t just refer to the players, but applies to all departments.

We can only cover all facets of an idea if people with diverse expertise work closely together as a team and contribute their input to achieve the best possible outcome. For example, we define which areas on the field we want to exploit more with our style of football, in which areas we need extreme intensity, or what qualities our preferred pressing style demands of a player.

Overall, we always talk about three pillars in player scouting: data-based scouting, video-based scouting, and live, on-site scouting. If all three look promising, it makes sense to take a closer look at a player. And in this process, personal interaction is indispensable.

We think a lot about personalities, character traits, and what kind of person lies behind the footballer whose abilities we’ve already analysed using the three-pillar model. Good footballers exist everywhere, but it’s clear to me that not every player can play for Darmstadt. No matter how much talent someone has, without grit and passion, you don’t stand a chance at the Bölle. Of course, Aleksandar Vukotić embodies these character traits in a different way than, for example, Hiroki Akiyama. But both possess this Darmstadt DNA, however different they may be as footballers.

In short, my goal is to find players that you Darmstadt fans can say, „He’s a perfect fit for us.“ We English call that „fits like a glove,“ while here in Germany I learned the expression „like a glove.“ Certainly, this won’t always work perfectly, but it’s our aim to anticipate as best as possible who could be a good fit for Darmstadt 98. And at the same time, a person who fits into the Lilies family.

Unfortunately, there isn’t enough space to go into these processes in more detail, but I hope I’ve been able to give you at least a brief overview.

Until next time, Paul

Hello dear Darmstadt fans,

Before the season and again at the end of the transfer window, when I was asked about our goals for the current season, I repeatedly emphasised that we wanted to become the „transition kings“ of this league. This description has nothing to do with my typically English interest in the royal family; rather, it describes a crucial element of the playing style that we at Darmstadt 98 want to represent. After eleven matchdays, I can look back at many positive statistics and facts that underline how important our transition game is for us, both offensively and defensively. We’ve already scored five goals following a turnover, we have the second-most shots on goal after counter-attacks, and conversely, we concede the second-fewest shots after such situations. Aggressive and tenacious off the ball, courageous, but at the same time careful in our build-up play. I see this pattern very often in our matches. Furthermore, the statistics so far show us as the only team in the league without conceding a goal after a counter-attack; conceding two goals after losing possession is also a top value.

Whether a player is suited to this style of football is one of the questions we ask ourselves during scouting and squad building. Keeping both attacking and defensive strategies in mind, making quick decisions after winning or losing possession, and being able to instantly switch gears mentally: not everyone can do that. Furthermore, many of our training drills and exercises are designed to help players translate this transition onto the pitch.

In addition, there’s the opponent-specific analysis: the coaching staff and analysts invest a significant amount of time before every match to identify areas where promising ball recoveries might be possible, while simultaneously observing precisely where the opponent is attempting to win back possession. Similar to set pieces, winning and losing the ball will always be a part of football, regardless of how much the game evolves. That’s why it’s always essential to focus on transitions and, ideally, to become very good at them.

„Always looking for fast breaks. And with the aim of getting the ball back as quickly as possible.“ These words come from Florian Kohfeldt’s first press conference as head coach of Darmstadt 98. Around 14 months later, this vision is clearly evident and reflected in the statistics. The progress in our transition game is a good example of what we mean when we talk about development. But of course, we’re far from finished; we’re not sitting on the throne yet, to continue the metaphor.

And here too, „consistency is king.“ The development is positive, but it should also be long-term. The work in this area will never stop. But it helps to be able to see the progress of the past few months so clearly. Hopefully, we’ll see that again in today’s game against Greuther Fürth.

Yours, Paul

Hello dear Darmstadt fans,

One topic that has accompanied, fascinated, and occupied me for years is communication. It’s an ongoing challenge that accompanies us all daily in our working lives, and one that probably no one will ever manage to implement perfectly. When I came to Germany in October 2016, I didn’t speak any German at all. I knew that learning a new language would be a big challenge, but I didn’t yet realise how much of one’s identity it reflects.

Of course, I quickly realised that I could communicate everywhere in English, because almost everyone in Germany understands the language. But therein lies the crucial difference: communicating is something completely different from expressing oneself. A part of my personality was lost in the process. In the supermarket, only the German names of the food items were displayed, and every shopping trip required intense concentration. I remember standing at the checkout, so focused on the phrase „I need a bag, please,“ that I only realised at the last second that I still had two packs of tomato sauce in my jacket pocket. I desperately wanted to ask for the „bag“ in German, to give the cashier and myself the impression that I, as a foreigner, was willing to engage with these situations and not cause any trouble by speaking English. These situations and the thoughts they triggered kept recurring, and after a while, it led me to withdraw for short periods. Out of fear of misunderstandings and of not being able to be authentic. „The worst loneliness is not to be comfortable with yourself.“ A very famous quote by Mark Twain that perfectly describes my first few months.

Later, I met my wife, and now German is rarely a barrier anymore. I feel like I can be myself here too. But the experiences and memories, of course, remain. And they’ve given me a deep understanding of our players who come to us from abroad: Killian Corredor, Hiroki Akiyama, Yosuke Furukawa. All fantastic footballers, but also fantastic people. People who want to express themselves. Who want to show their character, who want to contribute to the team. And that works through communication and language.

Together with the coaching team and the entire staff, we are therefore trying to find solutions to reduce the language barrier. This issue is of utmost importance to us. High performance with heart. A combination of two languages, but also of two worlds. We want to achieve the best possible results. But never forget the individual. And I am convinced: the best performance is only possible when you feel comfortable. And can be yourself.

Since this is my last post for this year, I wish you all a wonderful Christmas season, during which we hope to collect a few more points, and then a peaceful Christmas. Without Boxing Day, as it’s celebrated in England. That was also an adjustment for me. But one that I, as a father, can live with very well.

Yours, Paul