Who is available and who is missing? How does Torsten Lieberknecht view the relegation battle in the Bundesliga and how does he experience his team in the game and in training? Before SV Darmstadt 98's away game at 1. FC Köln on Saturday (April 20/3:30pm), the press conference with the Darmstadt head coach took place on Thursday afternoon (April 18). We have noted the most important statements for you.
There is a big question mark behind Oscar Vilhelmsson, who suffered a blow in training. We have to see if he can train tomorrow. He was in a lot of pain yesterday and overnight. Braydon Manu is also out (torn hamstring). Alexander Brunst continues to struggle with muscular problems. He won’t be there, nor will Fraser Hornby, who is making progress. On the other hand, Tim Skarke and Julian Justvan have started training again. Like Fabian Nürnberger, all are an options for Köln. Marvin Mehlem took his first steps on the training field with little opponent and physical contact. We will look after his two fibula fractures with the greatest care so that we can carefully rebuild him.
The big bad news came on Monday that we would be missing Fabian Holland with a massive knee injury. This is extremely bitter for Fabi and of course for us too. Accordingly, I would like to say again here: Get well soon! He will probably have surgery next week. He will receive full support from us until he can stand on the pitch again.
We have an obligation not to give anything away under any circumstances. We are ready to approach and finish the games in a highly professional manner right up to the last match day. Our fans also had to go through a lot of disappointment this season: We also want to convey to them that we will never give up and will represent Darmstadt 98 well. The fact that 3,500 Lilien fans alone accompanied us to Köln is an incredible number.
The optimism has turned into realism for me. For a long time I rated the team in such a way that we had a real chance. But in the current situation – especially after the game at Mainz 05 – we know that realistically it will be very, very difficult. Nevertheless, I am optimistic about what comes next and what we have ahead of us.
I can only point to the game against Freiburg: everyone saw a team that lived in Mainz after the setback. They tried everything until the end to make the fans happy. There is also total life in training. All of our weekday sessions are public so everyone can see for themselves. In the game and also in training you can tell that the boys want to present themselves.
Köln has a very strong sprinting team – one of the strongest in the league. With Kainz, Alidou and Maina, they have a few guys in there who want to make their mark, especially in the transition game. Köln is also dangerous when it comes to standards. At home in front of over 50,000 spectators they are pushed forward by their audience. So I think they’ll come at us high and press us.
We dealt with Fynn very intensively in a timely manner. I spotted him at a game back then and I know that I wasn’t alone in the stadium at the time. Paul Fernie was sitting not far from me… (grins) Fynn will look good on us. He comes to us on a free transfer and is a 23-year-old player who can develop. It’s a good transfer for Darmstadt 98. He brings physical robustness. We were also impressed that he works very hard for his team.
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:
Despite falling behind, Darmstadt secured their second consecutive home win! Darmstadt defeated Energie Cottbus 3-1 (1-1). The home side equalised after conceding an early goal in the four-minute period through Weißhaupt before halftime. Vukotic headed his team into the lead in the second half, before Lührs sealed the victory with the third goal. This home win brings Darmstadt's season total to seven points.
Homegame at Böllenfalltor (10/10, 1pm): Florian Kohfeldt has made two changes to his starting XI compared to the away match in Wolfsburg three weeks ago. Richter and Mikelbrencis come into the starting lineup for Sickinger (calf issues) and Lannert (illness).
On Saturday afternoon (October 10th, 1pm), SV 98 hosts Energie Cottbus at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor for Matchday 7. What do the two head coaches have to say ahead of kick-off? Who is officiating the match, and where can you follow the action live? As always, we have compiled all the key information regarding the game against Cottbus in our "Matchday Guide" feature.
Tickets for the league match in Nürnberg (Nov. 7th) and the cup match in Elversberg (Oct. 27th) are available for purchase now.
For the upcoming home match on Saturday (October 10th, 2026, at 1pm), SV 98 asks you to take note of the following information. Since the start of the season, we have been offering dedicated entrances for women at the west side of the stadium. Additionally, there is a "Bölle Bande" family entrance with easier access at the Karl-Hess-Platz entrance. Please also take note of the information provided by HEAG regarding the autumn break.