Nagelsmann ahead of Hannover clash: "We’re determined to win"

Julian Nagelsmann on...

...the opponents:

Hannover are a much better side under Daniel Stendel. They attack a lot higher up the pitch, so we have to be prepared. They are already relegated so they can play with more freedom, try out some different things and take risks. We will have to put up some good resistance. They will want to end the season with a good home performance. There are also the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of one of their youth players last weekend. It’s a very difficult situation for everyone; for the players, the club and the fans. I can’t say what the atmosphere at the stadium will be like.

...squad news:

Tobias Strobl is out through suspension. Other than that, everyone is on board. Eduardo Vargas had a bit of a cold on Thursday, but he should be fine.

...the sporting situation:

We’re determined to win and ensure our survival. If we pick up three points, it doesn’t matter what the other results are, and that is our goal; we want to stay up off our own back. We’ve worked on a few things this week that haven’t gone so well of late, and put together a plan that we want to use to beat Hannover.

This season hasn’t been easy for the players. They started it with different expectations. When it doesn’t fall into place, you have to process everything first. I can only judge what I’ve experienced since taking over – the mentality, quality and commitment has always been spot on, in every single training session.

Players like Ermin Bicakcic are hugely important in the relegation battle. He is a team player who always gets stuck in and keeps on going above and beyond. He has trained brilliantly all week.

Previous meetings:

Hannover are TSG’s favourites opponents in the Bundesliga. Hoffenheim have secured ten wins from 15 games, leaving the pitch empty-handed on just three occasions. The previous five clashes have all gone the Kraichgau club’s way, while Nagelsmann’s side have also won on their last two trips to Hannover – 4-1 in October 2013 and 2-1 last April. 

The opponents’ form:

Hannover are already confirmed as relegated, losing 22 of their 32 league games so far – that hasn’t happened in any of the previous ten Bundesliga seasons. However, since Daniel Stendel has taken charge, things have improved at 96. They have drawn twice, won once and lost once – a decent enough record. On top of that, this will be Hannover’s last top-flight game in front of their own fans for at least 15 months, so that’s sure to provide extra incentive.

Key battles:

TSG have to keep the ball on the floor. Hannover have the edge in the air, winning an impressive 53.5% of their aerial battles. TSG are a good eight percent shy of that record. So, it’s about playing football, linking up well and letting the ball do the work.

 

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