Darmstadt remained unbeaten in their sixth home game of the second division season, but despite numerous scoring opportunities, they missed out on three points against an efficient Arminia Bielefeld side. The final score at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor was 2-2. How do the two head coaches assess the match? What do our defenders Fabian Holland and Sergio Lopez, as well as the two head coaches, have to say about the 90 minutes at the Bölle? We've compiled all the post-match reactions for you.
„The first half was extremely good in terms of performance. However, our game management was lacking. After halftime, there should have been no question about who would win this game. We had countless scoring opportunities. We should have been leading by at least two, or preferably three, goals at the break. The substitutions of Isac Lidberg and Luca Marseiler were planned. It was clear they couldn’t continue playing much longer. Fraser Hornby’s substitution, on the other hand, was unplanned. His substitution disrupted the balance in our game. We relinquished control of the game, but without conceding too much. We were capable of matching Bielefeld – the most energetic team in the league – in terms of running, even towards the end. We also had our moments and scoring chances that could have led to a victory. But we should have won the game in the first half.“
„We were very lucky in the first half. We could have been 2-0 or 3-0 down. Then, during the first half, we switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, but that didn’t work any better. Darmstadt kept finding good solutions against it. We were just chasing the game and inviting them to create scoring opportunities. Then, in the second half, we tried man-marking in the attacking third. And from that point on, things improved, and I was very happy with my team. The first half wasn’t ours, but I’m very happy with the second. After the break, we delivered what we always deliver: high work rate and high intensity. Overall, I’m extremely proud today. It was impressive what the lads showed, especially in terms of running, after the 120 minutes in the cup on Wednesday. We can live with the point.“
„Considering our first half, we can’t be entirely satisfied with the point. While we were more efficient in the Schalke game, we squandered several chances today. We had better control in the first half. Towards the end, it became a rather chaotic game. That wasn’t exactly what we wanted. Both teams seemed unsure towards the end whether to settle for the point or go all out again. I believe both teams still wanted to win, though. Bielefeld is a team that runs for the full 90 minutes. You have to match that. You could tell it had been a tough week for them. But we still have the stamina to keep going for 90 minutes, even if we were a bit sloppy in some situations. Ultimately, we’re not entirely happy with the performance. Now it’s time for us to stay focused and keep working!“
„We had some good moments in the first half and enjoyed good possession. We created many chances that we could have converted into goals. However, we weren’t clinical enough. Overall, it was a good first half from us. It was certainly better than the second half, in which we really had to fight. Especially since we lost a bit of energy after 60 minutes and after such an intense week. Of course, it wasn’t easy without Isac and Fraser in the second half. Nevertheless, we have many players in the squad who are also capable of performing very well.“
Autographs, photos, and personal encounters with the Lilies: You'll have the opportunity to do so on Thursday (May 7th) from 5pm to 6pm. As part of an autograph session presented by Merck, Patric Pfeiffer, Kai Klefisch, and Fynn Lakenmacher will be at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. You'll also receive a ten percent discount in the fan shop during this time.
Darmstadt's 2-1 defeat at Karlsruher SC also ended any remaining theoretical hopes the South Hessian club had of finishing the season in the top three. The loss at the Wildpark stadium served somewhat as a symbol for the past few weeks, during which SV 98 had only managed one point from five matches since the international break in March. Following the game on Sunday afternoon, the Darmstadt players addressed the assembled media representatives with mixed feelings.
Three points! SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team secured a victory in the Lotto Hessenliga on Saturday afternoon (May 2nd). In their match against Hünfelder SV, the young Lilies overcame an early deficit to clinch a convincing 3-1 win. This result puts the U21 team currently outside the relegation zone. "Our trend is clearly upward," said a delighted U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt.
The successful collaboration between the Hessian Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association (HBRS) and SV Darmstadt 98 will continue long-term: Both partners have extended their existing agreement to promote inclusive sports indefinitely. This sends a clear signal for the sustainable development of inclusion and disability sports in Hesse.
A bitter end in Karlsruhe: After 90 entertaining minutes in which both teams sought salvation in attack, Darmstadt suffered a narrow defeat. The final score was 2-1 after a late goal from the home side, following Isac Lidberg's earlier equaliser. After the match, the players were particularly frustrated with the missed opportunities in the first half.
The away form continues to be poor: SV 98 suffered a 2-1 (0-0) defeat against Karlsruher SC. Lidberg scored the equaliser for the team from southern Hesse in the 70th minute.
Darmstadt 98 visit Karlsruher SC on matchday 32 (May 3rd, 1:30 PM). Florian Kohfeldt has made five changes to his starting lineup. Killian Corredor replaces the injured Fraser Hornby, Aleksandar Vukotic comes in for the suspended Patric Pfeiffer, and Fabian Holland starts in place of Matej Maglica, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Merveille Papela and Niklas Schmidt also join the team, replacing Sergio Lopez and Yosuke Furukawa. In addition to Hornby, Pfeiffer, and Maglica, Darmstadt will also be without the injured Matthias Bader, Fabian Nürnberger, and Luca Marseiler.
Finally, the weekend is here, finally Sunday! On Sunday afternoon (May 3rd, 1:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will face Karlsruher SC away. What do the two coaches have to say about the match, who will be refereeing, and where can you watch it if you're not at the stadium? All the important information about the Lilies' 32nd matchday is compiled for you here in "Matchday Guide".
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.