Hannover 96 is subject to Wolfsburg: A look at the season preparation

Hannover 96 is subject to Wolfsburg: A look at the season preparation

Hannover 96 is still far from returning to the Bundesliga. The red recently lost their test game against VfL Wolfsburg 1-2. This defeat has a special dimension for the team of coach Stefan Leitl, since it is the revenge for the previous encounter, in which Hannover 96 was able to win 3-2 six weeks ago.

The test game took place in an intensive atmosphere in which Wolfsburg was clearly superior. The first half in particular presented Hannover 96 players with great challenges. However, the team from Lower Saxony increased in the second half and showed some remarkable moments.

Trainer-Leitl comments on performance

The trainer of Hannover 96, Stefan Leitl, described the encounter as a "good test" in which the team was able to collect important knowledge. He emphasized: "Wolfsburg was a very strong opponent who, especially in the first half, presented us with tasks. I tore it back and forth because we had some good moments. But whenever we were not active, it became problematic." The coach's note underlines the need for the players to constantly improve their performance and to be clearer in their actions.

The physical presence and energy of Wolfsburg led to a first shock for the 96 after five minutes. The former international Ridle Baku overpowered the left side of the Hanoverians, and Jonathan Akaegbobi used the carelessness in defense to score the first goal. In the 58th minute, Kevin Behrens increased to 2-0. The defense of Hannover 96 was no longer arranged in the second half after several changes, which gave Wolfsburg the opportunity to carry out the attack.

Momuluh's comeback in the test game

A positive aspect of the game was Taddel Momuluh's comeback, which stayed in the U23 and on the bench for a long time. The 22-year-old right wing, who had barely played in the past few months, scored the only goal for 96 in the 81st minute. After an initially blocked shot, he managed to put the ball into the left corner in the second attempt. Trainer Leitl praised Momuluh's use and asked him to believe in himself and continue to put pressure on himself.

Despite the defeat, Hannover 96 showed some successful attacks. Players like Hyunju Lee, Lars Gindorf and Kolja Oudenne were able to present themselves offensive and had opportunities that did not result in the desired result. In the 85th minute, Ngankam awarded the great opportunity to equalize the 2-2 by sliding past the goal.

The list of Hannover 96 included Leo Weinkauf in the goal and a defensive series that was changed several times during the game. In the absence of Halstenberg, Ron-Robert Zieler, Phil Neumann and Havard Nielsen, it was a challenge for the red to stabilize the defensive structure. At Wolfsburg, too, a planned comeback from Lukas NMECHA, who had recently had to struggle with thigh problems, was not possible. His trainer Ralph Hasenhüttel decided to give him some recovery time.

In the next few days, it will be crucial for presidents and coaches to draw the teachings from this test game defeat and prepare for the upcoming challenges. Hannover 96 must be ready to be competitive in the new season in the 2nd Bundesliga and to focus on the critical aspects of team performance.