No Huszti

Szabolcs Huszti, who has recently been suffering from muscle problems, was absent for the Reds final game of their training camp against regional team, ETSV Weiche Flensburg, who are coached by former professional Daniel Jurgeleit. Central defender Salif Sané made his debut in Hannover colours.

Bittencourt and Hoffmann on the scoresheet

In front of a record crowd of 2,200, the Reds were lively straight from the start. Four minutes in, Leonardo Bittencourt beat the Flensburg goalkeeper with a slightly deflected effort. “I was really pleased with this goal in particular because we lost the ball, won it back quickly and then pushed forward quickly,” explained 96-manager Mirko Slomka after the game. 96 continued to apply the pressure to a timid ETSV side and although André Hoffmann’s first header in the tenth minute was saved, the defender made no mistake five minutes later, converting from a Prib corner. Alongside Hoffmann, Lars Stindl looked dangerous, narrowly missing from both a lob and a shot.

The hosts needed half an hour to get into the game but when they did, they created two good opportunities. Melfsen put his effort just past the left-hand post before Ostermann hesistated too long in front of Zieler, unfortunately injuring himself in the process, leading to his substitutions. Flensburg goalkeeper nearly helped the Reds add to the scoreline at the end of an enjoyable first half when he spilled a curling ball into the area, but nothing came of the chance.


Opened the scoring for 96 in the 4th minute: Leonardo Bittencourt

Debuts for youth talents, scoring debut for Sané

Some of the Hannover U17 talents were given the chance to impress in the second half as Dierßen, Sylejmani, Capin and later Teichgräber all celebrated making an appearance for the 96-first team. Capin and Dierßen both missed opportunities to add to the score, the latter’s effort hitting the post. “The four lads did well,” praised Slomka. “I would have merited Onur and Tim with their goals.” Lars Stindl did get the third goal with a wonderfully executed free kick from the left corner of the area.

Shortly afterwards, Markus Miller – who had replaced Zieler – had to make a good save to deny Wulff from scoring. Moments later and the ball was back in the net at the other end though. Salif Sané, who had impressed with his performance, celebrated his first goal for Hannover 96. A Prib free kick was turned home by the central defender shortly after the hour mark. It proved to be the final goal of the game as the hosts couldn’t find a goal to celebrate. Their best chance to do so came 12 minutes before the end but Miller saved brilliantly before Strömer put the rebound wide.

Praise for Sané

Just like the hosts, Mirko Slomka was pleased with the test. “It’s a lovely ground they’ve got here and the atmosphere really comes to life. We enjoyed the game against the best side we’ve played so far in preseason. They pushed us with their tackling and grip on the game.” The 96-manager was also pleased about Sané’s debut. “First game, first goal! That’s brilliant! Salif is extremely well prepared to integrate himself into this team. Salif deserves his chance in the Bundesliga. It’s a great transfer for us!”

Hannover 96: Zieler (46’ Miller)  – Avevor (46’ Gökdemir), Ballas (46’ Sulejmani), Sané, Pocognoli (60’ Teichgräber) – Stindl (69’ Nikci), Hoffmann, Bittencourt (46’ Capin), Schlaudraff (46’ Dierßen), Prib (66’ Pander) – Sobiech (46’ Kadah)

Goals: 0-1 Bittencourt (4’), 0-2 Hoffmann (15’), 0-3 Stindl (56’), 0-4 Sané (64’)
Attendance: 2,200