Football Season Guide

The Lilies had solid last season and, thanks to their very impressive home form, both with and without fans, they secured high finish. Had problems on the road though and this was the main reason why they didn’t get properly involved in the race for promotion. The main change in off-season was at the helm. After 2 successful years in charge coach Grammozis left to seek new challenges and the ex-Koln and Holstein Kiel manager Markus Anfang was appointed as his replacement. In terms of players the most notable departures so far were centre-back Dumic and holding midfielder Stark, but both replaced very well already with signings of Mai and Stanilewicz. Also Rapp’s loan was extended so Darmstadt should continue to look very solid at the back. Rock-solid defending and strong presence in opponents’ box during set pieces 2 of the team’s main strengths. Also, after 2 years ravaged by injuries, talented striker Platte seems to have finally built his fitness and he’s expected to have much better year this time around. Right now the main weakness is the number ten position with 23-year-old Mehlem the only typical attacking midfielder in the squad. It seems that due to that lack of creative inner midfielders the team would be restricted mainly to 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formations.