“Gift our fans the win”

Berlin – It’s been around a year since Darmstadt were in total ecstasy over their game in Berlin. Matchday 33 of the previous season saw Darmstadt 98 defeat Hertha BSC 2-1, thereby securing another season of Bundesliga football for next year. It’s a result that nobody from the ‘Lilies’ anticipated, especially considering that their promotion from the 2. Bundesliga was a surprise in itself. One year later, it’s already been decided that the guests’ Bundesliga dream will come to an end after two years as we head in to Matchday 33. The south Hessen city aren’t disillusioned however, rather, it’s pride that prevails. 

Darmstadt captain Aytac Sulu spoke with herthabsc.de prior to the duel against Hertha on Saturday about the difficult pill to swallow that is relegation, the pressure, and the last game at home. 

herthabsc.de: Mr. Sulu, it’s confirmed that Darmstadt 98 have been relegated from the Bundesliga after last week’s games. How have you dealt with the news over the last few days?

Aytac Sulu: Relegation is always disappointing, even a few days after the news breaks. However, the feeling isn’t so extreme because we can always come back up after next season.

herthabsc.de: A key reason for why the ‘Lilies’ were relegated was the mere nine points in the first-half of the season. Do thoughts of why you couldn’t get going in the first-half of the season bother you at all, even now? 

Sulu: Most of the time the second year in the Bundesliga is the hardest; however, the changes over the summer were an additional hindrance to us. What’s more, so many games didn’t go to plan in the first-half of the season – and we missed those points in the second-half of the season. Of course, it’s extremely tough for us to come from behind at the bottom of the table with the finances the club has available. 

herthabsc.de: Torsten Frings took over the team for the second-half of the season, and it’s the first managerial position he’s had. What stands out about the work he’s done here? 

Sulu: He gave the team new life over the short winter break and had many individual conversations with the players. We as players have become a lot tougher since he’s been here with us both on and off the pitch, and he’s implemented his own philosophy of the game as well. That’s more than a good sign from someone who has just taken over the bottom ranked team in the league as their first managerial assignment. 

herthabsc.de: The club has to digest the reality of relegation over the coming weeks. It’s a process which takes a bit of time. What do you see when it comes to the club’s future? 

Sulu: We’ve been on the right track since the winter break. We have to aim to continue playing with toughness and with Frings’ philosophy of playing with possession, intelligence, and structure in the 2. Bundesliga. I’m convinced that Torsten will sign on to stay with the team next season.