Darmstadt 98 has not lost in the 2nd Bundesliga since the second matchday. Despite personnel problems, the series should also hold in Rostock.
Darmstadt (dpa/lhe) – Table leaders SV Darmstadt 98 are plagued by some personnel worries before the second division game at FC Hansa Rostock. After Matthias Bader, Patric Pfeiffer, Klaus Gjasula and Aaron Seydel, Brandon Manu is also out with a muscle injury for the game this Saturday (8.30 p.m. / Sport1). In addition, the use of Fabian Schnellhardt is “on the brink due to a flu infection,” reported Lilien trainer Torsten Lieberknecht on Thursday. Captain Fabian Holland, Jannik Müller and Frank Ronstadt are also affected and have recently only been able to train individually.
Nevertheless, the Hessians want to continue their impressive winning streak of 19 unbeaten games in the 2nd Bundesliga. “The defensive performance has to remain top and highly concentrated, then we’ll be hard to beat,” stressed Lieberknecht. “We also have to keep playing with force and creating chances.”
The 49-year-old football teacher relies on the basics in a duel with the table tenth. “We have to show physical presence right from the start and develop the willingness to throw everything in to win,” said Lieberknecht. Under no circumstances should one underestimate the people of Rostock. “Hansa is an unpleasant opponent who acts in many different ways. They have a good mix in the squad and vary between two basic formations of three or four men,” said the 98 coach.
Nevertheless, his team goes into the game as favorites. After all, Darmstadt are at the top of the table with 45 points – four points ahead of the big promotion favorites Hamburger SV. 1. FC Heidenheim is third on the relegation place and is already eight points behind. Lieberknecht is therefore looking forward to the guest game in Rostock with great anticipation: “Saturday evening, the floodlights are on. I’m looking forward to the evening game. The Ostseestadion is pure football.”
