This time we remained steadfast

After all, it was important to present themselves as a unit, especially after that sporting nightmare Saturday against FC Augsburg. To show attitude, to remain stable. Not to put on another performance that was characterised by so many individual blackouts. Many spectators had a bad feeling against the reigning cup winners when after just a few minutes when it was 0-1 the from Lilies perspective. But SV 98 did well this time and didn’t go down. But he fought back steadfastly. As a closed structure that this time did not fall apart into its individual parts.

Yes, after the 6-0 defeat against the Fuggerstädter in the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor, the South Hessians also lost the duel with the Saxons on the 25th Bundesliga matchday. However, the game in the Saxon city was not preceded by an easy week. Ultimately, we had to first digest this pitch-black day against FCA and then get up again and carry on. This also included sitting down as a team and clearly talking about what it would take to avoid having to live through a day like that a second time. “In a situation like this you have to talk about the disgusting things,” said Tobias Kempe about what he said were very positive and forward-looking conversations during the week.

And that’s exactly what had an effect. Of course, it was also clear that after a 6-0 defeat, the Lilies didn’t exactly travel to Saxony with the greatest of confidence – but with the absolute will to present themselves with their heads held high. “Unfortunately the bottom line is another defeat, but it was clear that we are not letting our heads down after last week,” emphasised Kempe. Something that Christoph Klarer also underlined with appreciation: “We showed character and attitude.” Torsten Lieberknecht therefore classified the performance in Leipzig as “a small step forward” despite the defeat.

And that although his squad was weakened by replacements – with Holland, Nürnberger, Mehlem, Bader, Riedel and Maglica, six potential regular players were out due to injuries – they suffered a bitter setback after just three minutes due to Thomas Isherwood’s unfortunate own goal. While the first goal against Augsburg was followed by numerous more, SV 98 in Leipzig remained steadfast even after being behind early on. “We left our hearts on the pitch,” praised Kempe. The lilies, they fought. And ran – at 118.23 kilometers, a good two more than the Leipzig team. But the truth is that the Saxons deserved to win – 29:9 shots on goal, 64 percent of ball possession and, at 62 percent, a significantly better tackle rate. Darmstadt 98, on the other hand, was hardly able to develop the necessary offensive power, with a few exceptions. However, none of these points were surprising given the quality of the top-class Leipzig team. After all, the Saxons are currently the fifth best team in Germany and could have easily made it into the quarter-finals of the Champions League against Real Madrid during the week.

A brutal quality that, from Lilien’s point of view, the Leipzig team can bring back to the field next Friday (March 15th) in the away game against 1. FC Köln, who are also in a relegation battle. “All the best for you and your boys for the next games – especially for the next one,” Torsten Lieberknecht concluded his opening statement at the press conference. Words that also resonated with the Leipzig head coach. Marco Rose: “If you wish us luck against Cologne, then you can tell that you’re on fire. And I like that.” Because even though the Lilies are in 18th place in the table with just 13 points, the relegation place is only five points away and is therefore still within reach with nine match days left to play. A circumstance that allows SV 98 to remain optimistic. The fact that this was anything but feigned optimism was once again underlined by the statements made by the Darmstadt protagonists after the final whistle. Players and coaches conveyed a credible message: They believe in it, they will fight for the big dream. Kempe: “Everything is still possible for us. We never give up.“

Before the Lilies compete in the direct relegation duels with Bochum, Cologne and Mainz after the international break, none other than the German record champions will be visiting the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor next week (March 16th/3:30pm). A Herculean task, of course. “But that’s exactly what we wanted: that the best teams get to the Bölle,” emphasised Klarer and added: “The club has worked incredibly hard over the last few years to get into the Bundesliga.” Games like that are exactly what they’re playing for to be allowed.