Bundesliga frame in the 2nd division. Hannover face Schalke in front of 49,000 fans. 15,000 travel from Gelsenkirchen, the S04 coach is delighted with the “love”.
Traditional duel in the 2nd Bundesliga. On Sunday, Hannover 96 meets FC Schalke 04 (1:30 pm). Hopes of promotion against fear of relegation.
The setting will be a worthy one. 49,000 spectators will be present in the sold-out stadium, with almost 15,000 fans traveling from Gelsenkirchen. That’s crazy when you consider that Schalke are bottom of the away table.
Figures that are only marginally interesting to Hannover coach Stefan Leitl, who is full of anticipation for the 90 minutes: “The way we play is well received in the region. That’s why the boys are looking forward to it. 49,000 on Sunday, we have a home game. The lads have earned that. We are highly motivated. The support will be good. We need every single spectator and the push from the stands. Then we have to absorb this energy, show a good game and win the match.”
So far, Hannover has only lost one game in front of a home crowd. With Jannik Dehm (5th yellow card), Antonio Foti (foot injury) and Christopher Scott (shoulder injury), three players have to miss out
This is love for the club, they love Schalke. We can use the energy for ourselves. They push us. That’s really great
Karel Geraerts
With regard to the opponent, Leitl emphasizes: “We know that Schalke is a good team that started the season with a completely different intention. If you go through the squad and read which players are playing there, then you know that we’re in for quality.”
However, Schalke can only get that on the pitch as a collective, which is rarely the case away from home – so Hannover will go into the match as favorites. Leitl’s outlook: “Wins like the one in Magdeburg give us confidence. Accordingly, we have the self-conception that we can win the game. I expect an intense match. Schalke is a team that wants to play intense soccer.”
They can count on the fans once again, as a five-figure crowd will accompany Schalke to Hannover. Numbers that inspire S04 coach Karel Geraerts: “That’s love for the club, they love Schalke. We can use the energy for ourselves. They push us. That’s really great. “
