SV Darmstadt 98 draws 2-2 against Holstein Kiel in season opener

SV Darmstadt 98 has entered the new 2. Bundesliga season, beginning with a 2-2 draw against Holstein Kiel. Following a period of significant squad restructuring, coach Florian Kohfeldt expressed a desire to move past the pre-season training phase and return to competitive match play.

The club experienced a highly successful transfer window in terms of revenue, generating approximately 7.5 million euros from the sales of Isac Lidberg and Fraser Hornby, alongside roughly 2.5 million euros from the departures of Killian Corredor and Sergio López. These sales have left gaps in the attacking lineup, though the club has welcomed back loanees Marco Richter and Niklas Schmidt.

Following the match against Kiel, Kohfeldt discussed player development and team dynamics. He highlighted the emergence of youth player Manolo Merx and the importance of rebuilding confidence in Aleksandar Vukotic. Additionally, Raoul Petretta has been appointed to a seven-member player advisory council to improve squad communication.