It's an "English Week" in Germany, the name given for midweek fixtures. For any Bundesliga team the narrative has more or less been the same before taking the field at the Stadion am Bollenfalltor -- or "Bolle", as it is referred to by their own fans.
The stadium is a contrast to the modern arenas that were built for the World Cup; built in the Bolle has hardly been modernized, barring the main stand in , hence the interior is spartanly fitted. In combination with a turf that resembles more of a potato field than an actual footballing ground and the rigorous playing style of Darmstadt itself, the trip to Hesse seems to be an "uncomfortable" one.
This is something unique in the Bundesliga," said Tuchel. But there is little reason to buy into the narrative of discomfort at the "Bolle", as if players of other Bundesliga teams have never played a cup match against lower league teams.
Thus far, the only "discomfort" felt has Darmstadt's inability to win at home. They have only picked up a mere win out of 11 home matches.
Yet the team that everyone had tipped to be relegated after a miraculous promotion last season is sitting four points clear of the relegation play-off-spot thanks to their away form. Darmstadt would be well on course for the Champions League if only the "away table" of the Bundesliga was to be considered, where they sit in third place -- in contrast to their second-to-last place in the "home table".
