Darmstadt 98: Kohfeldt's mission for promotion begins now!

Darmstadt 98: Kohfeldt's mission for promotion begins now!

The new second division season starts on August 1st and SV Darmstadt 98 is at a crucial turning point. After a disappointing last season, in which the “Lilien” only got one point from the first four games, coach Torsten Lieberknecht was fired. The resignation, which followed a 4-0 defeat against SV Elversberg, marked the end of a cooperation that was scheduled to last until 2027. Darius Scholtysik and Ovid Hajou took over training on an interim basis, while those responsible at Darmstadt quickly looked for a new coach in order to be prepared for the upcoming game after the international break against Eintracht, as Liga-Zwei reports.

Florian Kohfeldt, who most recently worked at KAS Eupen, has now been hired as the new coach. The hope is that the team will act more consistently and, above all, win games in which they have better chances. “The team has to be more callous in crucial moments and make fewer mistakes,” said Kohfeldt. Darmstadt ended up in a disappointing twelfth place as a promoted team last season. The second half of the season was particularly weak, with the Lilies finishing tied on points with Schalke 04 as the fourth-worst team, which despite a positive home record, achieved seventh place in this category faz.net reported.

Looking for stability

There is a lot at stake for the “Lilies”. After a disastrous start to last season, the stability that is urgently needed must now be found. The hopes lie in fewer injuries to important players, because last season the “Lilies” couldn’t avoid seeing bad luck with injuries as a big factor. Their fighting phase with nine games unbeaten represented a bright spot that now needs to be reproduced over a longer period of time.

The signings of new players could bring a breath of fresh air into the team. Among others, Leon Klassen from Lyngby Boldklub, Yosuke Furukawa from Jubilo Iwata and Benedikt Börner from VfL Wolfsburg came to the Lilies. “We want to be more targeted,” said Kohfeldt, who is convinced of his team’s potential and wants to raise the level permanently.

A look at the competition

The competition in the 2nd Bundesliga doesn't stand still. The change of coach is a constant companion in German football. There are numerous changes every year, most of which are linked to the teams' current results (transfermarkt.de). Kohfeldt has to face the challenge of ensuring the “Liliens” make a brilliant return to success in an environment that is constantly changing.

Overall, the signs point to a new beginning in Darmstadt. The club management and the fans have high hopes for the new coach and the newly signed players. How well this plan succeeds will become apparent on August 1st at the latest, when the new season begins. Until then, the preparation time will be crucial in setting the course for a successful year.