DFB Cup, 2nd round. Before SV Darmstadt 98's cup game at Dynamo Dresden (October 30th/8:45pm), the press conference with Florian Kohfeldt took place on Tuesday morning (October 29th). The Lilien's head coach looked at the competition itself as well as the upcoming game and the opponent. We have summarised the most important statements for you.
Personnel update: Luca Marseiler is questionable for Wednesday. Klaus Gjasula, Oscar Vilhelmsson, Christoph Zimmermann, Fabian Holland, Paul Will and Matthias Bader are still out.
I think the competition is incredibly great and I really like it. I have great memories as both co-coach and head coach and was able to play in three cup semi-finals. I like situations when it’s simply a matter of either progressing or being eliminated. I hope that I can pass on my excitement to the players too.
I feel great joy in the team. We are looking forward to the competition, the game and the atmosphere in Dresden. We go into the game with great respect, but full of joy and confidence. In terms of the squad, the ambitions, the city and, above all, the fans, Dresden is more of a second division than a third division location. We have analysed their games and know that we will have opportunities to win the game. We want to get to the third round. But we know that we have to do a lot to achieve this. Wednesday evening offers the chance to collect positive emotions and experiences and grow together. That’s why we attach the same importance to the duel in Dresden as a second division game. It’s a competitive game that I absolutely want to win.
They have a lot of players who play football and want to combine. On offense they have different facets with physically strong players and players who threaten the depth a lot. There is not a very clear picture against the ball. There were games where they defended high and aggressively. But there were also games in which they stood deeper and waited. Dynamo Dresden certainly has a team that has individual potential in many positions, which is certainly capable of playing in the second division. Coupled with the stadium, this creates a total package to which we have to find answers.
We’ve currently been together for about as long as you normally have time to prepare for the summer. In these month and a half we have already played six games. I feel a very good chemistry between each other. I would like to emphasise that. The relationship between players and coaching staff is very productive. I also feel incredibly comfortable in the staff. Everyone did a very good job in the first few weeks. The challenge now is not to give up. There are issues with the team where we have developed well, but we have to stick with it. But there are also topics that progress a little more slowly. The development and introduction of my idea of football is not finished. But for the time we’ve been together, I’m happy with the general development. As always in football, we obviously have to deliver results. And tomorrow is Dresden. It doesn’t matter where we are in our development. We have to move forward.
I changed the order in the goalkeeper hierarchy. Alex Brunst is our number two. It was a very difficult decision in which only small things made the difference. So I feel really sorry for Karol on a human level, I would like to make that clear. But I have the feeling that Alex helps us more. I am also of the opinion that a number one should play all competitive games. I really want to put the best team on the pitch in Dresden tomorrow in order to advance to the next round. That’s why Marcel Schuhen will play.
The second consecutive away game, and the last of the season, is upon us. Once again on a Sunday (May 10th, 1:30pm), Darmstadt will be playing away – this time against SC Preußen Münster. Everything you need to know for your final away trip of the season to the LVM-Preußenstadion, about three and a half hours away, can be found here in the usual fan information section.
There's a lot going on at the Bölle. The 98th Darmstadt baby of 2026, along with their family, visited the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor, and they weren't the only ones. Where else the Bölle gang has ended up, and many more news items about the club, can be found here in our "Lilies Across the Board" section, as every Wednesday.
SV Darmstadt 98 informed all season ticket holders about the season ticket procedure for the 2026/27 season on Wednesday (May 6th) and would also like to share this letter on the club's own website.
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.