U21 before Hessenliga start

SV 98’s U21 team can look back on a successful debut season in the LOTTO Hessenliga. With a strong sixth-place finish, the young Lilies narrowly missed out on a place in the promotion round for the Regionalliga. The upcoming season, with 18 teams, should once again provide plenty of entertainment and excitement.

After a successful debut season, the SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team is entering its second season in the Hessenliga. The focus remains the same as in the previous season: the continuous development of young talent will remain the central focus. Head coach Daniel Petrowsky emphasises: „We once again have a very young team with players who could still play in the U19s. We want to introduce them to the senior level as quickly as possible.“

Björn Müller, sporting director of the youth performance center, also clearly places the U21 team in the club’s training program. „If we succeed in bringing players into the next age group early on, or into the senior level with a view to the future – ideally into the senior squad – then we will have fulfilled part of our mission.“

The U21 team thus forms an important bridge between youth and professional football.

The team underwent major changes over the summer. Only a small core of players from the previous year remained. Some players, like Tim Arnold and Max Pfister, made the jump to the first team. Others sought new challenges in higher leagues. Petrowsky speaks of a „completely new beginning,“ but also sees this as a great opportunity. „There are new characters and types of players. Forming a successful unit out of them is a challenge, but also an exciting task.“

Müller also emphasises the special dynamic of the changes. The team now consists of players from different backgrounds. The goal is to build a strong team culture and develop each individual player individually. That this can be achieved was already evident during the preseason. „Both training camps – the U19 and U21 – were very positive. The teams worked with high intensity and showed the will to grow together as a group,“ Müller said.

During their summer preseason, the Lilies completed an intensive training program, including friendly matches and a training camp. Particular emphasis was placed on athletic fundamentals, tactical discipline, and the development of playful solutions. Petrowsky describes the progress as clearly visible. „The initial tests revealed some weaknesses that we have been working on. A positive trend is evident.“

The integration of the U19 players is going well, as they are already familiar with the club’s philosophy. New recruits from outside the team have also been successfully integrated. Müller praises the commitment and professionalism of both groups. „Many players are hungry to take the next step. You can see that on the pitch.“

The U21s aim to focus on a healthy mix of control and flexibility. This means possession, clear forward play, but also compactness and defensive stability. „We want to play a style of football that contributes to development. Last year, we had the second-best defence in the league – that was our foundation,“ says Petrowsky. At the same time, it’s important to react to the different playing styles of our opponents, while at the same time having solutions in all situations and implementing Darmstadt’s style of play. „Some will attack us high, others will play deep. We have to be flexible, but maintain our identity.“

Close coordination with the professional team remains a key element. Regular exchanges with head coach Florian Kohfeldt and U19 coach Patrick Kurt take place. Petrowsky sees this as a significant added value. „When it comes to promoting players and acting in the interests of their development, trust between the coaching staff is crucial.“ Müller adds that the players‘ physical preparation is now at a very high level. The goal is to produce players who can also compete physically with the professional team.

The start of the new Hessenliga season is just around the corner. The first few matches will be a true test of the team’s performance. Petrowsky expects a strong league with ambitious newcomers and opponents like Eintracht Frankfurt II and FC Gießen. „I expect that anyone can beat anyone,“ says the coach. Müller also sees the first few games as an important test. „The first five or six matches will show us where we stand.“

With a newly formed team, clear goals, and a well-thought-out training program, SV 98’s U21 team is starting the new season. The anticipation is great, as are the challenges. For Daniel Petrowsky and his team, it’s all about building on last year’s successes – especially in preparing young players for higher responsibilities.