Darmstadt’s massive overhaul makes the 2. Bundesliga a surprise package

The Teamcheck titled Die Wundertüte unter Wundertüten (SV Darmstadt 98) was published on Stand 05.08.2026 at 08:25 Uhr and notes that after the Verlust of the complete Offensiveabteilung the club will rely on new Personal to chase past Erfolge. Hoffnung rests primarily on Trainer Florian Kohfeldt to guide the side.

Nach a fifth‑place finish in the previous Zweitliga‑Saison, the club is undergoing a major Umbruch. Six of the eleven Profis in the Startelf are new, a turnover that creates both Chancen and uncertainty.

The first test comes at the Saisonauftakt on Samstag at 13:00 against Holstein Kiel, a match that carries significant Risiken for the re‑shaped squad. A Blick at the fixture shows the importance of early cohesion.

Preparation results were impressive: many victories, no defeat, and a 0:0 draw in the final friendly against FC Portsmouth. Ein assessment highlighted that ten Zugängen have been integrated at speed, though the quality of the performance remains under review.

Among the newcomers, Lance Duijvestijn has impressed as a hanging striker, while defensive wingers Florian Kleinhansl and Christopher Lannert bring proven Zweitliga experience. Ho‑Jae Lee’s impact in the attacking midfield remains to be seen after only a week in Darmstadt.

The departure of Isac Lidberg and Fraser Hornby – the two best forwards of the previous season – represents a massive Aderlass. Replacing them will be a heavy task for the new attackers, especially Lee and Duijvestijn.

Injuries also bite: Luca Marseiler and Fabian Nürnberger are sidelined, removing potential Stammkräfte from the squad.

Trainer Florian Kohfeldt exudes Ruhe and conviction, working calmly through the preparation. His collaboration with Sport‑Geschäftsführer Paul Fernie is described as near‑optimal, with clear communication about the upcoming Umbruch.

Defensively, Marcel Schuhen provides a constant presence. In the back line Patric Pfeiffer and Matej Maglica (or Aleksandar Vukotic) form a solid Gerüst, while midfielders Hiroki Akiyama and Kai Klefisch are already well‑coordinated.

Overall, the Lilien are described as the Wundertüte unter vielen Wundertüten in the Liga, a club with exciting Zugängen, a capable Trainer, and a supportive environment despite the painful Offensiveabteilung losses.