Transfer News: Purchase Option Activated, Dettoni remains at the Lilies.
Grayson Dettoni will continue to wear the SV 98 jersey. The Lilies have exercised their option to buy the defender, who was previously on loan from FC Bayern Munich.
22.02.2024 / English
„Three points would give us a massive push“
What is the mood within the team? How does Torsten Lieberknecht view his upcoming opponent? And which staff is available to him for the away game at Werder Bremen (February 24th/3:30pm) The head coach of SV Darmstadt 98 provided the appropriate answers to these and other questions at the press conference on Thursday (February 22). Here are the most important statements.
… about the squad:
Apart from Clemens Riedel and Fraser Hornby, all players are in training. Mathias Honsak and Braydon Manu also returned to team training this week. Gerrit Holtmann has also trained completely and is an option. However, Braydon is not yet an option for Saturday after his long injury.
… on the 4-2 win earlier in the season:
We especially looked at the second half, where it ended 2-2. The game against Werder Bremen in the first half of the season was characterised by the fact that we got into the game well and were very effective in the first few minutes. That helped us get to our goals. Nevertheless, there was also the second half, which was interesting to analyse because Bremen will certainly want to get a different result.
… on the opponents:
Werder Bremen’s victory in Munich was a complete blow-out and gave them a lot of strength. They also gained a lot of self-confidence with their subsequent performances. Otherwise they have clear processes in their game. Still, we feel like there are things we can use to help us achieve our long awaited three points.
… on the death of Andreas Brehme:
I was fortunate to play with Andi. I am still influenced by him. About how he, as an absolute world star, dealt with us young players. He was always there to help me and the other boys from my youth with advice and support. He also protected us when it was necessary. I enjoyed the fact that he always reached out to me as a young player and gave me help. It’s very sad that Andi is no longer there.
… about the mood within the team:
You never get the feeling that the bottom of the table is training here during the week. It’s incredible. The team is constantly realigning itself and reorienting itself. They train with a lot of meticulousness and energy. We have good morale, the boys are completely intact and support each other. There is a good atmosphere, but not laissez-faire, but a good atmosphere with full focus. I also don’t have the feeling that we’re playing like the bottom team. We received a lot of support from those around us for our game against Stuttgart. But just this reception doesn’t satisfy us because we didn’t score any points. That’s why we’re staying tuned. Bremen is the next chance. We have to make sure we somehow get this win – maybe even after a bad game we still win 1-0. That would really help the team. Three points would also give us another massive push. I wish that for them and for all of us.
Football ID Championship in Darmstadt | Members‘ Network Meeting
The German Football Championship for People with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) kicks off on Sunday – and it's taking place in Darmstadt's Bürgerpark! Last week, the Darmstadt 98ers' home ground offered a different kind of sporting event: a karate demonstration. We also take a look at the opponents for the new season and celebrate two birthdays this week. You'll find all this and much more about Darmstadt 98 in our usual "Lilies Across the Board".
5-1 in the last home game: U21 secures survival in the league
„I’m proud of you,“ were the words of U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt to the team after they secured their place in the Hessenliga. On Saturday (May 23rd), SV Darmstadt 98’s U21 team had the chance to stay in the league against Turabdin Babylon Pohlheim – and they seized it impressively! The young Lilies delivered a convincing 5-1 goal fest, but at the same time still needed help from other teams to guarantee their survival. However, because their direct rivals, CSC 03 Kassel, narrowly lost in Stadtallendorf, the U21 team was finally able to celebrate.
Volunteer Award 2026: Haftpflichtkasse and SV 98 honour clubs
For the fourth time, the Haftpflichtkasse insurance company and SV Darmstadt 98 have jointly awarded four clubs with the Volunteer Award. The award ceremony, including the presentation of the checks, took place last Sunday (May 17th) before the home game against SC Paderborn at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. The Volunteer Award, established in 2023 by the Haftpflichtkasse and SV Darmstadt 98, aims to strengthen volunteer engagement and promote outstanding projects.
Dates for the Darmstadt Running Club 2026
Whether jogging, walking or Nordic walking: everyone is welcome at the Darmstadt running club. Since 1974, the initiative has been getting people moving and offers suitable options for both beginners and advanced runners.
Professional contracts for Herbst and Merx
SV 98 have signed Milian Herbst and Manolo Merx to professional contracts. The two young players will therefore be part of the Lilies' professional squad next season.
Will and Co.: How the second half of the season went for the Lilies‘ loaned players
Between staying in the league, fighting relegation, and the end of the season, the second half of the season was a busy one for SV Darmstadt 98's loaned players. While Paul Will is still battling to avoid relegation with SpVgg Greuther Fürth, Leon Klassen (Grazer AK), Meldin Dreskovic (Nyíregyháza Spartacus FC), Fabio Torsiello (Alemannia Aachen), and Othmane El Idrissi (Viktoria Aschaffenburg) have already finished their seasons. We take a look at the past few weeks for the Lilies' loaned players.
Long break for Papela
Merveille Papela suffered a meniscus injury during Darmstadt 98's away match in Karlsruhe (May 3rd). This was confirmed by examinations over the past few weeks. The 25-year-old has already undergone successful surgery. Papela will therefore be unavailable to SV Darmstadt 98 for the next few months.
Three-quarters majority
The 2025/26 season for SV Darmstadt 98 came to an end with their home match against SC Paderborn. Looking at the final standings, points total, and many memorable moments, it’s a season that still deserves the label „remarkably good.“ From a broader perspective, the overall assessment of the year is overwhelmingly positive. However, the final weeks of the season, which proved quite challenging, are also part of the overall evaluation. We’ll take another look back at those weeks in our season analysis.
May 22nd: Club anniversary at Schlossgartenplatz
SV Darmstadt 98, founded in 1898, will celebrate its 128th anniversary this coming Friday (May 22nd). To mark this milestone, SV 98 invites all Lilies fans to the Schlossgartenplatz in Darmstadt from 5pm to 10pm. Club members will even receive free drinks – while supplies last.
3060 minutes played | Club birthday with you
After 34 matchdays, the season came to an end last Sunday. Marcel Schuhen finally got a break, having played every single minute of the entire campaign. But unlike the professionals, the young Lilies can't rest just yet. There's still plenty to do for the reserve team. And there's also a lot going on off the pitch. We'll keep you updated here in "Lilies Across the Board" with all the latest news.
Goal fest in Hanau: U21 wins 5-1
More crucial points. Away at 1. Hanauer FC, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team delivered a convincing five-goal performance in their fight to avoid relegation. With this victory, the young Lilies have amassed twelve points from their last five matches. With two matchdays remaining, direct relegation is no longer a possibility, and the U21s hold a nine-point cushion above the relegation zone. However, Darmstadt need more points to further distance themselves from the relegation playoff spot.