Football Season Guide

Naturally for a relegated team, Darmstadt lost half of their regular starters over the summer, but coach Torsten Frings shopped well and the Lilies are hoping to be amongst the contenders for promotion. Darmstadt's few seasons in the top flight built the confidence and, even if not being known to play particularly well on their travels, they are fierce hosts that also tend to be always pumped up for a fight by their inspiring coach. Frings added two new goalkeepers to his squad but it will be the old faithful Fernandes that continues to be the number one choice. Darmstadt are expected to rely on their solid defence this season as so far captain Sulu and his preferred partner Hohn are remaining at the club. With Banggaard and Niemeyer also options, Frings can consider using a formation with three at the back if he feels this could work. The signing of experienced Grosskreutz for free will vastly improve the right side of the defence while, for the other flank, the battle for starts will be between Holland and Sirigu. The main changes were made in midfield and attack where Darmstadt will definitely have a new look about themselves this season. Kamavuaka is still in the squad and he is expected to play a vital role in front of the backline while the rest of the midfield will be constructed by the five new signings and Stark who is returning after a loan spell. In attack, Frings was left with veteran, Rozenthal, and the prone to injuries, Boyd, from his previous squad but he likes Bezjak who is returning from loan and the Slovenian is tipped to be used much more this season. Frings also signed the Australian target man, Maclaren, but he is untested outside his own country and it will be curious to see how his adaptation will progress.