Those who cannot keep up with the high fluctuation in the “Lilien” squad for years will find a useful reference work on the club's website.

Under the heading "Entries and exits", the player changes at SV Darmstadt 98, broken down according to transfer periods, are clearly displayed.

For example, if you click on "Summer 2019" or "Summer 2018", your screen will be flooded with player names.

In "Summer 2020", the first transfer period under head coach Markus Anfang, things were much quieter - also due to the corona crisis. This summer the coming and going should pick up speed again in view of various expiring contracts. Head coach at the beginning is worried. Before that, the "lily" vintage 2021/22 could be weaker than the current one. And that the central axis in the SVD formation that was so successful in the second half of the season could break apart.

Of the two regular central defenders, Immanuel Höhn will leave the club and Lars Lukas Mai's loan from Bayern Munich will end.

The loan from Nicolai Rapp (Union Berlin) ends in defensive midfield and the name Victor Palsson has repeatedly been the subject of transfer rumors, and the Icelandic international has long been avoiding a commitment to the "lilies" despite an ongoing contract.

And up front striker Serdar Dursun (25 goals this season), who is still considering lucrative offers, will be sorely missed.

Lots of competition in the player market

A mixed situation that harbors dangers against the background of an enormously (financially) strong second division in the new round. But also opportunities, as sports director Carsten Wehlmann thinks. “The team developed strongly in the second half of the season. That was also noticed outside and can be attractive to potential new players, ”he says. And further: “We know that we have to do something about the squad, we are all ambitious and ambitious. But we will do that within our financial means. "

The Darmstadt-based company will have a lot of competition on the player market due to the well-known Bundesliga relegators and third division promoters as well as a recently reduced licensed player budget. Especially since the beginning will presumably require staff with whom he can realize his approach of an offensive style with a lot of possession and high pressing. By SVD standards, the club entered the transfer market unusually early: four newcomers have been announced: attacker Phillipp Tietz, center-back Jannik Müller, goalkeeper Morten Behrens and full-back Emir Karic.

The Südhessen still want to give young players development opportunities, but also compensate for the loss of quality they have suffered with seasoned professionals.

“Borrowing players of special quality is another model we're looking at.

Especially since it worked very well with Lars Lukas Mai, for example.

Darmstadt can definitely be a good showcase for players, ”says Wehlmann.

Four wins in a row and 16 points from the last six games are possibly a seal of approval in the season finale that will make Wehlmann's work easier.

Another victory this Sunday (3.30 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the 2nd Bundesliga and on Sky) at the beginning of the earlier club Holstein Kiel, and the Darmstadt team would have ended a complicated season with Gloria.