Big bang at Darmstadt 98: The South Hesse team and sports director Carsten Wehlmann are now going their separate ways. With a view to the winter transfer phase, the “Lilien” are facing a new challenge.
Carsten Wehlmann is no longer the sporting director at Darmstadt 98. The club announced this on Friday afternoon (December 29, 2023). Wehlmann has been the sports director at the “Lilien” since February 2019. On March 31, 2024, he terminated his employment on time at his own request, but those responsible at “Lilien” then decided to release the 51-year-old from his job with immediate effect.
Wehlmann explained his decision to leave the club with the words: “After a few sporting milestones, I’ve come to the decision in the last few months that after more than five years at the club, it’s time for a change.” Looking back, he said: Manager his time at Darmstadt 98 as “eventful and exciting”.
Timing introduces lilies Challenge
In the almost five years as sports director at the “Lilien”, Wehlmann was particularly responsible for squad planning and is now leaving a gap. “Although his decision presents us with major challenges due to the timing of the upcoming winter transfer phase, we have to accept and respect his decision.”said SVD President Rüdiger Fritsch in the club’s statement and at the same time thanked the 51-year-old for his support engagement.
Coach Torsten Lieberknecht, among others, will now be responsible for interim squad planning. He is supported by Michael Stegmayer, head of organization for the licensed player department, and Tom Eilers, appointed member of the executive board for the licensed player area. Furthermore, the Scouting-Department to be involved in personnel decisions.
Wehlmann’s successor is open
Wehlmann’s desire to leave the club surprised the “lilies”, said Fritsch. When deciding who will take the position Manager they want to take over in the future “Don’t allow yourself to be put under pressure and inform you about your successor when the time comes”says the club’s statement.
The “lily” president further said that it “no ready-made alternative solution in the drawer” would exist. In addition, I have “Successful completion of the winter transfer window” top priority for the southern Hessians.
