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.
Personnel update: Patric Pfeifer is suspended due to a red card. Luca Marseiler remains unavailable long-term. Matthias Bader (shoulder problems), Fraser Hornby, and Fabian Nürnberger (both thigh problems) will also be unavailable for Saturday.
I can’t speak for KSC, of course. But it’s clear that these are Christian Eichner’s last two home games for KSC. After such an incredibly long, successful, and influential period, that’s certainly something that many people around the club, and especially the team, will do a lot to give him a proper send-off. But we will, of course, do everything we can to win this game. Because, firstly, we always want to do everything we can to win games anyway. And secondly, and especially after the second half against Elversberg, we still feel the need to stay focused and continue to perform. It’s not as if anyone is letting up; we’re fully committed. And accordingly, I expect a game in which both teams will be playing for the win.
Fabi Holland and Hiro Akiyama did not train yesterday. For Fabi, it was a long-planned private appointment, and things are looking good for Hiro as well. Aleks Vukotic will play in place of Paddy on Sunday. There’s a chance that Fraser Hornby and Fabian Nürnberger will play again this season. It’s not critical for Fraser, but there isn’t much time left until the end of the season.
I believe it was the very first time I decided against starting Killi when he was potentially available. He’s been playing almost constantly through pain, and in recent weeks, he’s simply experienced a slight dip in form. You have to look at that objectively. Therefore, I wanted to give him the opportunity to regain some freshness so he can return to a better form for the final weeks. I think everyone here has seen over the past two years what he’s capable of when he’s injury-free.
We deliberately gave ourselves two days off to let Saturday night’s events sink in a bit. Our motto for the remaining season is: ‚Keep going.‘ And the lads are determined to show that they deserved their place at the top of this league for so long. You can see that mindset in them. And that’s why I’m completely optimistic that we’ll not only put in a good performance, but above all, that we’ll show freshness and, most importantly, radiate one thing: the hunger to win.
This week I taught my friend Paul Fernie, who speaks German extremely well but isn’t a native speaker, a new German idiom: „Man hat schon Pferde kotzen sehen“ (You’ve seen horses vomit). Therefore, it would be highly negligent not to see anything through to the end, even if we know it’s an unlikely scenario. But it’s a scenario we definitely want to do everything we can to make it happen. We’re not doing the math. We never have; we have to take it one game at a time. And that’s why it’s about winning. On Sunday against KSC. And then it’s about Münster. And then it’s about Paderborn.
I want to compliment Christian on his time at KSC. This isn’t his last game, but it is the last time we’ll play against each other in these colours. I’m absolutely certain he’ll reappear very quickly in German professional football, either in the first division or at a top club in the second division, because he’s a truly top-class coach. He’s been at KSC for over six years and has consistently managed to keep the team picking up points. They’ve now surpassed forty points again, which is certainly no small feat in this league. And he’s always managed, as I’ve perceived it, to create an incredible unity between the team and the coach. You always had the feeling that his players were doing everything for him. And I find that remarkable.
They’re a team that defines itself very strongly through set pieces. They have an outstanding striker in Marvin Wanitzek. They’re a team that has shifted its balance significantly towards attack in recent weeks. While they play with a back three, they also utilise attacking wingers, especially on the left with Herold or Burnic. They vary their build-up play with a back four, have very attacking central midfielders who are essentially attacking midfielders, and possess very good strikers who complement each other well. So, they’re a versatile team with one outstanding characteristic: they’re clinical. Karlsruhe is the most efficient team in the league, scoring the most goals with the fewest chances. And that’s something we need to pay close attention to.
On Sunday, the Lilies face a challenge in Baden: for the 8th matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 travel to take on Karlsruher SC. At the pre-match press conference, our head coach discussed the squad situation, the qualities of the opposition, and the team's motivation to get back to winning ways on the road.
On Sunday (October 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. KSC has a history that extends well beyond the confines of German football: the club from Baden once caused a stir on the European stage, writing a chapter that is still remembered today. But how did KSC manage to step into the international spotlight, and what made this success so special?
The next away match is coming up: this Sunday (October 18th, 1:30pm), the Lilien will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. As always, you can find all the essential information regarding travel and your visit to the stadium in the fan guidelines.
SV Darmstadt 98 invites all its members to come to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on November 1st, 2026, starting at 11:30am. Together, we aim to once again create the largest team photo in our club’s history—with the professional players in the front and the entire Lilies family behind them.
On Sunday (Oct 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. The side from Baden differs from the Lilies in several key respects. Furthermore, the match will see SV 98 cross paths with a former player once again. Find out here about other connections between the two clubs, as well as some particularly interesting statistics ahead of the encounter.
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: