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.
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.
In a rescheduled Lotto Hessenliga match, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team hosted SV Hummetroth at their youth academy on Wednesday evening (April 29th) but unfortunately came away empty-handed. Despite a spirited performance and playing with one man less, the score after 90 minutes was 3-1 in favour of Hummetroth.
Lilies at the Wildpark! SV Darmstadt 98 will be playing away against Karlsruher SC this coming Sunday (May 3rd/1:30pm) for the 32nd matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. Will Darmstadt's positive record from recent encounters continue? Will Florian Kohfeldt and Isac Lidberg extend their scoring streak against KSC? And will Fabian Schleusener finally stop scoring against SV 98? We've compiled all the facts and figures for you.
SV Darmstadt 98 will be playing away against Karlsruher SC on Sunday (May 3rd/1:30pm) at the Wildpark Stadium for the 32nd matchday. To ensure you are well prepared for your trip to KSC, here is a summary of all the important information for your visit to the stadium.
To ensure a smooth and convenient journey to Karlsruhe this weekend, SV 98 is offering a special train service that will transport Lilies fans directly from Darmstadt to Karlsruhe and back. Additionally, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team will host SV Hummetroth at their home academy this Wednesday evening (April 29th). For more news and updates, check out our usual "Lilien Across the Board" – all the latest news about the club, gathered here for you.
At the end of the current season, the partnership between SV Darmstadt 98 and Software AG, which has grown over many years, will end due to a strategic realignment of the software company.
The DFB sports court has suspended Patric Pfeiffer for one match following his sending-off against SV Elversberg.
Four goals, three points, and a well-deserved victory in the Hessenliga! At home against VfB 1905 Marburg last Saturday (April 25th), SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team finally celebrated a win after a long wait. Thanks to their confidence, assertiveness in one-on-one situations, and numerous scoring opportunities, the U21s convincingly beat the Marburg team 4-0.
As Florian Kohfeldt approached the team's dressing room at halftime, the Darmstadt head coach heard exactly one sentence: "It's not finished." Fraser Hornby had uttered it, setting the tone for his teammates and himself. What followed was a remarkable second half from Darmstadt 98 and a point against SV Elversberg, a point that, while likely insufficient for their promotion hopes in southern Hesse, nonetheless filled the Darmstadt fans with pride.
For every home goal scored by the Lilies, SV Darmstadt 98 fans will be doubly rewarded in the 2025/26 season. In addition to the joy and excitement, the Lilies' supporters will also receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor.