Football Season Guide

Darmstadt impressed at times under Kohfeldt last season but their promotion push ran out of steam after a disappointing end to the campaign. Kohfeldt will be looking to take the next step this season, but his job has become more difficult due to the loss of some important players. The Lillies have been busy in the transfer market to try and address these departures, so it remains to be seen if they can kick on. Weißaupt and El Kadri will add pace and technical ability on the flanks while Duijvestijn and Kehl should provide creativity and support from midfield. Young talent Verkooijen is also one to watch. Sickinger, Lannert, and Kleinhansl have also joined and although they are all experienced, solid second division players, they were not regular starters at their clubs last season. Japanese midfielder Akiyama has signed permanently after an impressive loan spell. Darmstadt should be a well organised outfit again this season with plenty of energy and hunger, especially in midfield areas. It is hard to see Darmstadt having the same quality in front of goal this season after the loss of key trio Lidberg, Hornby, and Corredor. New South-Korean striker Ho-jae Lee has ability in front of goal but will need time to adjust.