Ahead of Friday evening's match (March 13th/6:30pm), Florian Kohfeldt assesses 1. FC Magdeburg's playing style, provides a personnel update, and looks at his own team's preparations for the game. We have summarised the most important statements from our head coach's press conference here.
Personnel update: Bartosz Bialek and Fraser Hornby are unavailable.
We tried Fraser Hornby before the Kiel game, but we opted for a more conservative approach, and he’ll return next week. It’s great that Paddy is coming back. We’ve taken a cautious approach with Rafa (Fabian Nürnberger). He trained fully this week and is therefore a candidate for playing time. Killi trained less, but he feels ready to play 90 minutes straight after a six-week break. He’ll train fully with the team again today for the first time. I’m sure he’s a candidate for the squad. Matze (Bader) trained fully this week and didn’t feel anything. I’d love to include him, but I’ll also consider his prospects for the coming weeks.
I have immense respect for Magdeburg, not least because I’ve never won a game against them. But that’s not the only reason. They have a lot of individual quality in their squad, with players who were in contention for promotion to the Bundesliga right up until the end of last year. Atik, Zukowski, and Ghrieb have a combined 36 points. It’s incomprehensible why they’re at the bottom of the table. And it’s even more baffling when you look at their performances. They should have beaten Elversberg, for example.
They’ve changed their style of play a bit. It used to be all about playing out from the back and combining until the final whistle; they always played man-to-man all over the pitch. They’ve altered that somewhat. They still have those elements, but they’ve also placed a strong emphasis on counter-attacks. They defend deep and then want to capitalise on those transitions. We have to be very alert about that. They have an exciting mix.
Looking at the analysis, there’s no reason why Magdeburg should be 18th. However, it’s a factor in our match preparation that they might not be as confident as teams in the top third of the table. But purely in terms of basic footballing quality, they’re a top-eight team. That’s why we’re very wary, especially since we’re not quite as strong away from home as we are at home. There are many factors that show we absolutely must be vigilant and on our guard.
There are routines that are important, but every game requires specific preparation. We’re not doing anything completely out of the box for Magdeburg, though. We’re confident and know we can win games. We also know that opponents need to be prepared for our strengths. We’re simply eager to win an away game.
I’m working very hard to prevent us from already looking ahead to the next games. I’m very strict about that. There’s only one thing that matters: Friday night. Once Friday is over, it’s all about Saturday. Anything else is pointless. But I have to communicate that more to the outside world than within our locker room. That’s an important distinction.
Of course, I’m aware that there probably won’t be a single seat left at the Bölle for the last four home games – fantastic. And everyone watching from the outside should be dreaming about those evenings, and the excitement should be palpable. I think it’s really cool that this euphoria has built up in the city. But we only have one job: Friday night.
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.
Lilies at the Wildpark! SV Darmstadt 98 will be playing away against Karlsruher SC this coming Sunday (May 3rd/1:30pm) for the 32nd matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. Will Darmstadt's positive record from recent encounters continue? Will Florian Kohfeldt and Isac Lidberg extend their scoring streak against KSC? And will Fabian Schleusener finally stop scoring against SV 98? We've compiled all the facts and figures for you.
SV Darmstadt 98 will be playing away against Karlsruher SC on Sunday (May 3rd/1:30pm) at the Wildpark Stadium for the 32nd matchday. To ensure you are well prepared for your trip to KSC, here is a summary of all the important information for your visit to the stadium.
To ensure a smooth and convenient journey to Karlsruhe this weekend, SV 98 is offering a special train service that will transport Lilies fans directly from Darmstadt to Karlsruhe and back. Additionally, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team will host SV Hummetroth at their home academy this Wednesday evening (April 29th). For more news and updates, check out our usual "Lilien Across the Board" – all the latest news about the club, gathered here for you.
At the end of the current season, the partnership between SV Darmstadt 98 and Software AG, which has grown over many years, will end due to a strategic realignment of the software company.
The DFB sports court has suspended Patric Pfeiffer for one match following his sending-off against SV Elversberg.
Four goals, three points, and a well-deserved victory in the Hessenliga! At home against VfB 1905 Marburg last Saturday (April 25th), SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team finally celebrated a win after a long wait. Thanks to their confidence, assertiveness in one-on-one situations, and numerous scoring opportunities, the U21s convincingly beat the Marburg team 4-0.
As Florian Kohfeldt approached the team's dressing room at halftime, the Darmstadt head coach heard exactly one sentence: "It's not finished." Fraser Hornby had uttered it, setting the tone for his teammates and himself. What followed was a remarkable second half from Darmstadt 98 and a point against SV Elversberg, a point that, while likely insufficient for their promotion hopes in southern Hesse, nonetheless filled the Darmstadt fans with pride.
For every home goal scored by the Lilies, SV Darmstadt 98 fans will be doubly rewarded in the 2025/26 season. In addition to the joy and excitement, the Lilies' supporters will also receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor.