Darmstadt 98 aims to build on their recent cup success in Dresden as they face Greuther Fürth in an upcoming league match. Coach Florian Kohfeldt, addressing the media via video call, expressed optimism about the team’s mental boost from their dramatic 3-2 win. The squad has shifted their base to Nuremberg to minimize travel fatigue. While recent performances have shown improvement, particularly in confidence and offense, Kohfeldt acknowledges areas needing enhancement, especially in defense, as they prepare for a challenging match against Fürth.
Darmstadt 98 experiences a ‘mental boost’ following their cup victory in Dresden. The team aims to continue this positive trend in their league match against Fürth. To support this, Coach Kohfeldt even visits some journalists in their homes.
Not long ago, Florian Kohfeldt, the head coach of SV Darmstadt 98, made an appearance via video call, greeting the eager media. “Flashback! Back in the living rooms of journalists, excellent.” It felt reminiscent of the digital era during the pandemic when press conferences were conducted through impersonal means, often revealing personal insights (like what’s in one’s living room).
Nevertheless, this time, there was a solid reason for it. The Darmstadt players are currently not in their home city. After the thrilling cup match in Dresden, which ended 3-2 after extra time, the team headed straight to Franconia instead of returning to Hesse. The Lilies will visit Greuther Fürth on Saturday (1 PM) and are staying and training in Nuremberg to minimize exhausting travel while maximizing restorative measures. Kohfeldt is confident: “The guys will be in top shape.”
Dresden Victory as an ‘Emotional Milestone’
Beyond physical condition, the cup victory is expected to provide significant ‘mental motivation,’ as the Darmstadt coach believes. He is convinced that his team showcased much of what they had lost during months characterized by defeats in Dresden. “Overcoming adversity, dealing with setbacks,” Kohfeldt stated. Coupled with what he perceives as a ‘positive development in recent weeks,’ a sense of ‘security’ is beginning to form. He referred to the success in Dresden as an ’emotional milestone.’
Under Kohfeldt’s leadership, the Lilies have lost only one out of their last seven matches. They have climbed to 13th place in the league and reached the quarter-finals of the cup. More importantly, their style of play now reflects increased self-confidence, especially in their attacking game. However, Kohfeldt noted that the team is still converting too few of their scoring opportunities given the number created.
Maglica Steps in for Suspended Vukotic
There’s still room for improvement in the defense, according to Kohfeldt, who approaches this positively and understandably: “We could choose to sit deep in our penalty area and hope for the best. But that’s not our strategy.” He acknowledged that the team still has potential to grow, particularly in their response after losing possession. “However, we are conceding noticeably fewer clear chances than before. We’re on the right path.”
In Fürth, Darmstadt will be without Aleksandar Vukotic, who is serving a suspension. Matej Maglica is set to fill in for the aerially strong center-back. Kohfeldt remained tight-lipped about any further potential changes in personnel during this busy week. What’s certain is that recently injured forwards Luca Marseiler and Oscar Vilhelmsson will be included in the squad, while Klaus Gjasula remains sidelined due to illness.
No ‘Clear Picture’ of the Opponent
Looking ahead to their opponent, Kohfeldt admits he is somewhat in the dark. Fürth recently replaced their coach Alexander Zorniger and long-time sports director Rachid Azzouzi. Following that, they experienced a dramatic 4-3 win against Schalke in the league but then suffered a 0-1 loss to Regensburg in the cup.
“There’s no clear picture emerging,” Kohfeldt said about the opposition, who sit three points above Darmstadt in the standings. “We feel encouraged but must fight hard in every match.” He emphasized that despite the positive developments, the current league situation does not allow for any kind of relaxation.
Possible lineup for Darmstadt 98 against Fürth.