The upcoming opponent. The versatility of SV 98 and the competition within the team. And the players' focus. Florian Kohfeldt spoke about precisely these topics at the press conference on Friday (December 12th) ahead of Sunday's (December 14th/1:30pm) second division match against SC Preußen Münster. We've summarised the most important statements from the Darmstadt head coach for you.
Personnel update: Fraser Hornby will also miss the Münster match. Florian Kohfeldt said at Friday’s (December 12th) press conference that he might be available for the Paderborn game. All other players are currently available.
Preußen Münster is an exciting opponent. I have great respect for them – especially for their transformation. Last season, they played classic football – deep-lying defensce, long balls. They defined themselves through tackles and set pieces. Now they’ve become one of the top three possession-based teams in the 2. Bundesliga. They’re third in possession, which is a statement after 15 games. We’re one place behind them. Münster is trying very hard to define themselves through possession. They have a lot of players near the ball and try to create numerical advantages and draw the opponent out. This team wants to play football and they do so week after week – no matter who they’re playing against. The 2-2 draw against Hannover, in particular, should be warning enough for us. They’re capable of getting points against any opponent. We can look forward to two teams with an active approach on Sunday. I’m hoping for an attractive football match.
Fraser Hornby is an incredibly important player. Part of the team’s development and stability is that we can also find attacking solutions without Fraser. Isac Lidberg, of course, remains a key player. He has a very clear profile, holds the back line, and is always capable of being in the box. We rightly talk a lot about these two guys. But we mustn’t forget that we have a broad and versatile squad with a wide range of player types. We’ve developed a certain degree of flexibility over the past year and a half. The last few weeks and months have shown that we, as a team, are capable of developing solutions that match the strengths of each player. Naturally, we play a bit differently without Fraser. But that doesn’t mean we play any less attractive football. In the 2. Bundesliga, there are hardly any teams that represent attractive football like Darmstadt 98 – perhaps Hannover and Elversberg. We have the second-most scoring opportunities in the league. We’ve more than proven that we can play attractive and attacking football with varying lineups.
I don’t need to remind any of the players to stay focused – for several reasons. First, Münster speaks for itself. We all watch the 2. Bundesliga, and Preußen Münster has impressed everyone this year. They’re doing something special and have racked up a lot of points. Nineteen points at this stage is no small feat. Second, my team is focused, won’t get distracted, and wants to win. For me, it’s not about sharpening their focus, but about developing good solutions while maintaining that focus.
Matthias Bader has shown in recent weeks that he’s a force to be reckoned with in this competition for places. Sergio Lopez has earned his trust over the past year and a half. I could rave about Sergio Lopez as a footballer – especially his attacking play, but also his defensive development. Yes, he made a mistake against Karlsruhe. And of course, he was angry and emotional after being substituted against Karlsruhe. But he was the first to stand up for the team and apologise the next day. That shows what an outstanding person Sergio Lopez is.
On Sunday, the Lilies face a challenge in Baden: for the 8th matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 travel to take on Karlsruher SC. At the pre-match press conference, our head coach discussed the squad situation, the qualities of the opposition, and the team's motivation to get back to winning ways on the road.
On Sunday (October 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. KSC has a history that extends well beyond the confines of German football: the club from Baden once caused a stir on the European stage, writing a chapter that is still remembered today. But how did KSC manage to step into the international spotlight, and what made this success so special?
The next away match is coming up: this Sunday (October 18th, 1:30pm), the Lilien will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. As always, you can find all the essential information regarding travel and your visit to the stadium in the fan guidelines.
SV Darmstadt 98 invites all its members to come to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on November 1st, 2026, starting at 11:30am. Together, we aim to once again create the largest team photo in our club’s history—with the professional players in the front and the entire Lilies family behind them.
On Sunday (Oct 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. The side from Baden differs from the Lilies in several key respects. Furthermore, the match will see SV 98 cross paths with a former player once again. Find out here about other connections between the two clubs, as well as some particularly interesting statistics ahead of the encounter.
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: