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.
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.
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.
They fought to the very end, playing with ten men, and tried everything. But in the end, Darmstadt had to settle for a 3-3 draw against SV Elversberg in the sold-out Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. How do the Darmstadt players and staff assess the passionate 90 minutes at the Bölle? What did both head coaches have to say about the match? We've compiled all the reactions for you.