Fredi, your team has won each of your last three matches and have taken a big step towards avoiding relegation. What are you expecting to witness in the upcoming encounter with Hannover 96?

Fredi Bobic: “It will definitely be a tight affair against the Reds, who will continue to utilise their strengths, staying compact and being quick in transition, to their advantage. We’re looking to get out of the blocks quickly once again, just like we did in our last home match against Hamburg. However, we’ve got to remember to be patient.”

You haven’t been given the easiest of tasks with Hannover 96 and FC Bayern München presenting themselves as your final two opponents of the season. Is their position in the table enough to motivate the players to give 100% or will an inspirational speech be required?

Fredi Bobic: “It won’t require an inspirational speech, but one with clearly defined targets. Everyone at the club is fully aware of our current situation and they all understand what another positive result could achieve. That’s why every single VfB player will be fully motivated when they step out onto that pitch. On the other hand Hannover have their own source of motivation in the form of potentially reaching the Champions League.”

Hannover 96 have managed to collect 57 points already this season compared to Stuttgart’s 39. Do you have any explanation for the unexpectedly large gap between these two sides?

Fredi Bobic: “Before the season started no one would have expected to see Hannover enjoying such unprecedented success. The squad have demonstrated incredible consistency, which is why they deserve to be in the position they’re in. On the other hand we’ve failed to meet any sort of expectations this year, but it’s in our own hands as to whether we stay in this league or not. If we manage that, at least we can enjoy a positive end to the season.”

In 2-1 Reds win earlier this season, Didier Ya Konan bagged both goals and currently has 13 goals to his name as a Hannover player. In the 2002/03 season you scored 14 goals to set the club record. Do you think the Ivorian will be able to catch you?

Fredi Bobic: “If he manages to beat my record then I’ll most certainly be pleased for him. He’s an outstanding striker who has a real eye for goal. At the end of the day I’d be content with him equalling or beating my record on the last day of the season.”

Just one more question, which relates to your time spent in Hannover as a player. What is it about the Reds that will live long in your memory?

Fredi Bobic: “The incredible euphoria created by the fans that surrounded the football club! I was only with the club for one season, but it was a very incident filled campaign that led to a really exciting final day of the season. Our safety was only solidified on the penultimate weekend when we beat one of our main competitors Borussia Mönchengladbach. Jiri Stajner scored the equaliser in the dying moments of the match to claim the deciding point, which meant that the pressure on us was not as great on the last matchday. It was a huge relief for everyone involved.”

Fredi Bobic, thank you very much for your time!