What is Freddy Hess actually doing?

sv 98.de: Hi, Freddy! To start off, an icebreaker question: I’ve seen pictures of you as a player – was that actually a perm or were the curls real?

Freddy Heß: The curls were actually real! (laughs) It look a bit straighter today, but the hair I had back then wasn’t a perm, it was natural.

sv98.de: When and how did you come to SV Darmstadt 98?

It happened pretty quickly back then. I came from SV Südwest Ludwigshafen and, after a holiday in Mallorca, Klaus Schlappner called me. He was looking for a central defender for the upcoming second division season. I was completely surprised, as I was already firmly established in my career. Within 14 days, the transfer was finalised, and I signed a two-year contract. Quitting my job, however, was tricky – my notice period would have conflicted with the start of training. Schlappner quickly called my employer and convinced him so that I could be there on time for the start of training.

sv98.de: Can you imagine how Darmstadt first noticed you back then?

Yes, it was directly related to Klaus Schlappner. When he moved from Waldhof Mannheim to the Lilies, he asked Horst Konzok, then Waldhof’s secretary, if he could recommend a central defender. That’s how my name came up.

sv98.de: You’ve played 231 games for the Lilies. What kept you at SV 98 for so long?

I was a regular starter from the start, barely missed any games, and was rarely injured. This allowed me to shine early on. While we narrowly missed promotion to the Bundesliga, I had the chance to play at a high level for many years. A planned move to MSV Duisburg fell through, so I extended my contract with the Lilies. If we hadn’t been relegated, I probably would have spent my entire career there. I’m very proud of the many games I played during that time.

sv98.de: Which Lilien moments will you never forget?

Definitely the relegation play-offs against Waldhof Mannheim for Bundesliga promotion in June 1988 – even though we lost. Then the game against Schalke in front of 70,000 spectators in the 1990/91 season. Also particularly memorable is the 1-0 DFB Cup victory against the then UEFA Cup winners Bayer Leverkusen in September 1989. However, the relegation in 1992/93 was very painful. Playing for Darmstadt 98 was a highlight for me, so I’ve been thinking about that moment for a long time.

sv98.de: Which person had the biggest influence on you in Darmstadt?

Definitely Klaus Schlappner. He believed in me from the very beginning and paved my way to professional football. Without him, I would never have become a professional. Of course, I had to perform to my potential, but he gave me the confidence.

sv98.de: What advice would you give your younger self today?

Giving advice to yourself is difficult. I did everything I could to be a good performer. I don’t know why it wasn’t enough for the Bundesliga. But I made the most of my opportunities. And yes – I achieved everything through diligence and hard work. I’m a fighter who never gives up. That has shaped me, even if it sometimes took a lot of effort.

sv98.de: When you look at the club’s development since your time – what impresses you most?

The way those in charge have made the club great again. I was incredibly pleased with the promotion in 2014/15. The stadium development is also remarkable – incomparable to what it was before. The club has made huge strides in all areas.

sv98.de: Do you still feel a strong connection to the club today?

Yes, definitely. I live in Landau in der Pfalz, but I make it to Böllenfalltor two or three times a season – especially for games against Kaiserslautern. I also regularly travel with the traditional team. For me, Darmstadt was never just a job.

sv98.de: What do you do today?

I’ve been working as a commercial employee at a large shoe company for 28 years. I’ll be retiring soon.

sv98.de: How did the transition from football to working life go?

I had a small financial cushion from my time as a professional, but after relegation, I had to return to „normal“ life. In Edenkoben, I was able to complete a commercial apprenticeship alongside football – it was the right path for my family at the time.

sv98.de: What do you enjoy most about your job?

The daily interaction with my colleagues. And, of course, the fact that my work has secured my retirement and I’ll soon have time for my grandchildren.

sv98.de: How do you spend your free time these days?

I enjoy traveling with my wife and spending a lot of time with my children and grandchildren. Hiking at Tegernsee or in Oberstdorf, a beach holiday in the Canary Islands—that’s more than enough for me. And watching football—that’s my great passion.

sv98.de: Are your grandchildren also Lilien fans?

Of course! They both wear the Lilien jersey. My grandson plays football himself, and my granddaughter wears hers with pride—even if that’s not always easy here in the Palatinate (laughs).

sv98.de: And finally: What was the most beautiful Lilien jersey for you?

I particularly liked the white pinstripe jersey with dark blue inserts white pinstripe jersey that we wore in the relegation match against Waldhof Mannheim. Simple, but special.

sv98.de: Thanks for your time and the interview, Freddy!