For Hannover 96's coach, Stefan Leitl, the upcoming duel against Hertha BSC isn't just another second-division clash. He openly acknowledges, "Hertha are certainly coming to Hannover as a Bundesliga team." The Berliners boast individual talents, earning Leitl's praise.
The spectator hype is palpable, with Hannover expecting around 45,000 fans to fill the stands. Hertha's section is already sold out, promising an electrifying atmosphere. Leitl acknowledges, "A near sell-out crowd is, of course, an additional motivational boost for us."
As Hannover aims to extend their impressive four-game winning streak at home, they face challenges in their roster. Cedrik Teuchert will miss out due to his lingering leg injury, but Havard Nielsen's cold symptoms are on the mend. Julian Börner, unfortunately, will be out with an illness.
Leitl is well aware of Hertha's qualities. When it comes to facing perceived higher-level opponents, teams often rely on tactical preparation, strategic team selection, mental fortitude, leveraging fan support, and meticulous statistical analysis. These general strategies could potentially guide Hannover's approach to the game, but specifics remain unclear.
