When Hannover comes to Weser Stadium on Sunday 11 March 2012 (kick-off 3:30 p.m.) to face off against Werder Bremen, two direct challengers will be battling one another for the international spots on...
When Hannover comes to Weser Stadium on Sunday 11 March 2012 (kick-off 3:30 p.m.) to face off against Werder Bremen, two direct challengers will be battling one another for the international spots on...
Hannover continue writing history
When Hannover comes to Weser Stadium on Sunday 11 March 2012 (kick-off 3:30 p.m.) to face off against Werder Bremen, two direct challengers will be battling one another for the international spots on the table. "It is impressive how Hannover are operating. It's impressive how much confidence and courage and motivation they play with," said Werder coach Thomas Schaaf about his up-coming opponents. "Even yesterday in Liege." Hannover pulled out a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16, giving them good chances of reaching the quarter-finals.
"By now, Europe knows where Hannover is," said Hannover sports director Jörg Schmadtke with much satisfaction. And the level of teams that know the strengths of Hannover is impressive as well - FC Sevilla, FC Copenhagen and now FC Bruges - all recent Champions League teams.

Werdre have a one point lead on their pursuers
Hannover have done an excellent job of dealing with the double burden of the Bundesliga and Europa League. "They have been convincing in many matches. You cannot really see a difference between their performances at home or away. They are convinced of the things they are striving for. And that has been the case since last season," added Schaaf. Hannover head coach Mirko Slomka swears on continuity for his team's development. "We have fun in the Europa League and would like to stick around another round," said the 44-year-old coach after the final whistle in Liege with a smile on his face. But before the return leg, Hannover must travel to Bremen. "We don't have much time for that. We have to regenerate ourselves and concentrate," said Slomka. "We want to put Bremen under pressure.
The sixth-placed Werder side have a one-point lead on their top pursuer. And Schaaf knows Hannover want to use this chance to pass the Green-Whites. "We have experienced two games in which we have invested a lot of energy but not gained many points. We are doing things right but are not completing them to the full. The last bit of resolve is missing to be rewarded for what we have done," said the Werder coach.
