Football Season Guide

Darmstadt dramatically escaped back-to-back relegations in the last round of the previous campaign, with the Lilies showing character when it mattered. The team’s displays definitely improved under coach Schuster, he arrived just before Christmas, and now the much-loved gaffer hopes to see his ideas and tactical approach implemented on the pitch right from the off so Darmstadt could enjoy a better campaign. The Lilies are one of the hidden candidates for promotion back to the top flight, although there is not much talk about it and the focus is on improving the defensive side of their displays and also finding a reliable goalscorer at the other end of the pitch. So far three of the regular starters from last season left, while the only notable new arrival is that of centre-back Franke, but even without any major new reinforcements signed Darmstadt have good players in their ranks. The promising young striker Platte was the big summer signing of last season, but three injuries ruined his previous campaign. Now he hopes to be fit and if this is the case Platte should be one of the main goalscorers in the division. To be ready for any eventualities the Lilies recalled Maclaren from a loan in Scotland and also signed Dursun, which gives them different backup options in attack. Schuster prefers to use 4-2-3-1 as a system, although the availability of four very solid centre-backs suggests that he might be tempted to try something different if things are not going well. Twice in this pre-season Darmstadt reverted to three at the back for second halves of matches and they didn’t concede goals on both occasions. After his arrival in January Jones proved to be a major factor down the left wing and together with the equally aggressive Kempe down the other flank they will carry lots of threat from the wide areas. The heart of the midfield is also very solid looking with Medojevic the main figure there and Stark battling with Kamavuaka for the other starting spot. All in all Darmstadt might not have the flashiest of squads, but with lots of experience and young promise combined well in their starting line-up and decent back up options for support the Lilies look like a team deserving much better results and luck this season.