The relegation of SV Darmstadt 98 is sealed after the 0-1 defeat against 1. FC Heidenheim. Coach Torsten Lieberknecht wants to maintain his composure despite great disappointment and feels the support of the fans.
An uplifting gesture: After the final whistle, fans and players in Darmstadt showed unity. Getty Images
It had already become apparent, but on Sunday evening it was certain: SV Darmstadt 98 had been relegated to the 2nd Bundesliga. Fellow promoted team Heidenheim made the final push: in an open game with many chances on both sides, the Lilies lost 1-0.
Although it would have needed a win anyway to at least postpone relegation, the defeat was ultimately a defining feature of Darmstadt’s season. After all, they “tried everything again” in this game and definitely had “the opportunity to score goals,” as Torsten Lieberknecht said DAZN summarized. A late counterattack and an unfortunate move by Matej Maglica ensured the defeat. “That was the big difference, that we made a dent in the air – without making any accusations – and then left the field as losers.”
After the final whistle there was great disappointment at the Böllenfalltor. “It will take time to process,” explained the trainer, although we knew that this day would come. “Now he came today, that’s part of being an athlete.” What is now crucial is the processing and reaction in the coming days and weeks.
Fans have shown “that everyone stands together here”
The environment and the fans could help with the processing. In Darmstadt, the coach experienced “a club that stands together completely, fans who are of course disappointed, but who have shown all of us and themselves that everyone here stands together and was relegated together.” Despite the unfortunate situation, the supporters supported their team for over 90 minutes and also gave them encouragement after the game.
Just a little less than a year ago, those supporters turned the Böllenfalltor into a single party when the Lilies secured promotion with a 1-0 win against Magdeburg. Now the contrast program: “That’s just how the valleys are in sport. There are also these moments of absolute defeat and relegation, that’s part of being a footballer,” explained Lieberknecht. “If everyone reflects on this well for themselves, then we all know how to try to combat it next time with this experience that no one needs, but that we have now had.”
Bremen remains in mind as a possible “game changer”.
The coach looked back at the season again and, above all, continued to struggle with the 23rd matchday. At that time, Tim Skarke had given SVD a late lead in Bremen, but had his goal disallowed after a VAR check due to a handball. “Of course that would have been an absolute game changer for the season, it would have been a total boost. These are the moments, when you reflect afterwards, that hurt the most.”
Now it is important “that we maintain our posture, that we keep our heads up,” said Lieberknecht. “I don’t think we need to walk through Darmstadt with shame. Disappointed and dejected, yes, but not with shame.” An impression that at least was underlined by the fans in the stadium after the final whistle.
2024-04-28 20:46:24
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