Battle for Advancement - Stendel appears nervous before former 96 team member.
His aim was not surrender: "I did that." The coach, Daniel Stendel (50), was not referring to football but to the team's cycling tour before the season on the Brocken, Lower Saxony's tallest mountain (1141 meters). In 2022, he had to push, one year later, he opted to stay on his bicycle.
Today, he's guiding the U23 team of Hannover 96, who are fighting for relegation to the 3rd League against Würzburg. The away game is set for Wednesday at the former 2nd division team, and the return game on Sunday in Hannovers WM-Arena. Already 16,000 tickets have been sold, a number higher than Würzburg's seating capacity (13,090).
At 96, they're anticipating 20,000 spectators and hope for a whopping 25,000. This is more than the regional league team had in the last two years - in 35 home games.
Stendel: "A massive tale!"
This promotion match has special significance for the coach who achieved the 2nd League in England with Barnsley. "It was my initial championship title. For the club, the players, and me it's a beautiful thing."
In 2017, Stendel couldn't achieve the promotion as the 2nd league coach at 96, was terminated with nine matchdays left - on 4th place. The past is behind him.
"I'm just delighted that the lads possess such an incredible opportunity," he says. "It would be a massive story. For the boys, the entire club, and us all."
Stendel has to do without his leading scorers Lars Gindorf (21 goals), Mo Damar (9), and Antonio Foti (8). Stendel: "Before, such a situation would have concerned me more. Now, I'm a few years older and more composed - and I can't change it."
Würzburg-Knipser Saliou Sane (31, 20 goals) was born in Hannover. He was one of the initial players Stendel trained there at 96 in 2008, when they were part of the U17. "He could already kick back then, he wasn't as intense about scoring then," Stendel recalls.
Stendel was more demanding back then, now he's extended his 96 contract before the promotion games. "I'm reasonably satisfied here and my ambition has not diminished. The last two years have made me very pleased," he adds.
Advancing the ranks is much more enjoyable.
By rhetoria, x8:ers
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Source: symclub.org
