Fortuna Dusseldorf

Fortuna Düsseldorf is just the right match for Darmstadt 98 coach Torsten Lieberknecht for the second division opener. “I’m happy about Düsseldorf on the first match day because it’s a challenge straight away. We want to be a team that shows more home strength here at Bölle. We’re preparing for that,” said the 51-year-old before the match on Sunday (1:30 p.m./Sky) against Fortuna.

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Lieberknecht expects a tough match against the strong offensive third-placed team from last season, which narrowly lost to VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga relegation play-offs on penalties. “Düsseldorf is known to be tough. But every team in the professional sector has to find its rhythm on the first match day,” said the Lilien coach, who would have been very happy for the opponent to be promoted.

New start at Darmstadt

Darmstadt does not want to give Düsseldorf any points for another attempt, but rather collect them themselves on the way back to the top division. It remains to be seen whether the team is ready for this after the personnel changes following relegation.

Lieberknecht is at least optimistic. “Something is growing together within the team. I am really looking forward to what is coming up, namely accompanying the team through its transition and new beginnings. I sense a positive mood within the team. There is life in it,” said Lieberknecht.

He is particularly hoping for a lot of support from the loyal fans at Böllenfalltor. “The Darmstadt player likes to grumble. But he grumbles in a friendly, correct and straightforward way. The Darmstadt player is also someone who is always there when it counts. And on Sunday we need all the Darmstadt players,” said the former professional.

He has a full squad to choose from. With the exception of substitute goalkeeper Alexander Brunst, who recently underwent surgery, and Fabian Holland, who tore his cruciate ligament, all players are fit and ready to play.

Fortuna Düsseldorf is just the right match for Darmstadt 98 coach Torsten Lieberknecht for the second division opener. “I’m happy about Düsseldorf on the first match day because it’s a challenge straight away. We want to be a team that shows more home strength here at Bölle. We’re preparing for that,” said the 51-year-old before the match on Sunday (1:30 p.m./Sky) against Fortuna.

Lieberknecht expects a tough match against the strong offensive third-placed team from last season, which narrowly lost to VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga relegation play-offs on penalties. “Düsseldorf is known to be tough. But every team in the professional sector has to find its rhythm on the first match day,” said the Lilien coach, who would have been very happy for the opponent to be promoted.