Sports director Wehlmann leaves Darmstadt 98: immediate separation instead of in March

Before the start of the transfer phase

Immediately before the start of the winter transfer phase, SV Darmstadt 98 has to reorganize its sporting leadership. Manager Carsten Wehlmann is leaving the club with immediate effect. The 51-year-old terminated his originally permanent employment contract on March 31, 2024, after which the club decided to go their separate ways straight away. The Bundesliga bottom team announced this on Friday.

“We would like to thank Carsten Wehlmann for his commitment over the past few years, especially in terms of squad planning and coaching selection. Even though 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. We wish him all the best for the future,” President Rüdiger Fritsch is quoted as saying.

Wehlmann said: “They were eventful and exciting years and I would like to thank the executive committee around Rüdiger Fritsch for the trust they have placed in me. I will not forget the time, but will always remember it fondly. When I started here as sporting director almost five years ago, we found ourselves in a difficult situation in the 2nd Bundesliga. After a few sporting milestones, I have decided in the last few months that after more than five years at the club, it is time for a change. I keep my fingers crossed for the Lilies that they continue on the successful path of the last few years and manage to stay in the Bundesliga.”

Wehlmann came to Darmstadt as sports coordinator in September 2018 and was promoted to sports director in February of the following year. Since his arrival, SVD has spent 10.4 million euros on new signings and earned 5.4 million euros from player sales. The squad value rose during this period from 15.1 million to currently 41 million euros. For the time being, coach Torsten Lieberknecht, head of the licensing department Michael Stegmayer and executive committee member Tom Eilers will be responsible for squad planning in collaboration with the scouting department, it is said.

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