Bicakcic celebrates with nervousness: Derby hit Braunschweig against Hannover!

Bicakcic celebrates with nervousness: Derby hit Braunschweig against Hannover!

On October 26, 2025, the Niedersachsensenderby between Eintracht Braunschweig and Hannover 96 will once again be in focus. For many fans, this duel is more than just a football game; it is pure tradition and passion. Ermin Bicakcic, former Eintracht captain, played six exciting derbies against Hannover on the pitch and knows how important these encounters are. Now, even though he no longer plays for Braunschweig, the game remains of immense importance to him. He describes the “positive nervousness” he feels before a derby and looks forward to the upcoming event with joy.

Bicakcic played from 2012 to 2014 and returned to Eintracht Braunschweig in 2023, where his contract did not expire until June 30, 2025. In total he played 139 games for the club, which is only surpassed by his time at TSG Hoffenheim. He was recognized as one of the most important players in the club's recent history by sports director Benjamin Kessel, who emphasized Bicakcic's identification with the club as part of his legacy. However, the extension option was not used, which is why he remains free of charge.

Emotions and memories

Although his contract with Eintracht Braunschweig has ended, Bicakcic sees the derby as a kind of internal obligation. By saying that Eintracht Braunschweig was more than just a club for him, he said goodbye to his teammates, fans and the club. “I don’t have any bad memories of my derbies against Hannover 96,” says the 35-year-old, emphasizing the need for the team to appear united. This way of thinking is a sign of team spirit and commitment, which are essential in a city derby.

He describes the atmosphere in the last practice sessions before a derby as “final training with a match-day feel,” which illustrates the importance of this phase. Bicakcic often imagines positive outcomes to the game in order to optimally prepare himself mentally. He also appealed to fans of both sides to behave peacefully and hoped that the stadium would be filled to capacity.

Derby: More than a sporting event

City derbies, like the one between Braunschweig and Hanover, are known throughout Europe. Often it's not just about sporting success, but also about regional rivalry and honor. Similar duels can be found in many cities, such as the famous “Derby della Madonnina” between AC Milan and Inter Milan or the Hamburg city derby between Hamburger SV and FC St. Pauli. In Germany, the Rhenish derby between Cologne and Mönchengladbach or the Revierderby with Schalke and Dortmund are even better known.

The importance of these duels is reflected not only in the sporting competition, but also in the atmosphere created by the fans. Often flanked by emotions that go far beyond the pitch, the derby is a highlight of the season for many fans.

The upcoming derby between Eintracht Braunschweig and Hannover 96 is not just a game; it is a celebration of regionality that highlights the solidarity and passion of the fans. And even though Bicakcic is no longer actively on the field, his heart remains firmly connected to this big event.