As of: March 24, 2026 1:48 p.m
Second division football team Hannover 96 does not want to lose focus on sport after the surprising departure of managing director Jörg Schmadtke. Sports director Ralf Becker relies on unity with the coach, team and fans. He didn’t give any reasons for the separation.
Becker explained in the NDR interview on Tuesday that he felt the same way as everyone else. “After the emotional derby on Friday, everyone was totally happy, everyone was in a celebratory mood.” Then Sunday came. “I found out about it maybe an hour or two earlier than everyone else. But it was a surprise to me too.”
The club announced the amicable separation on Sunday. Schmadtke, who only returned to the Maschsee at the beginning of the year, was not quoted in the brief statement. One can only speculate about the reasons for the separation. According to reports, confidentiality was agreed upon.
Quickly focus on Elversberg
And so Becker didn’t want to comment either. “That’s not my issue at all.” Rather, he now has to “accept the situation quickly.” The international break helps, as it gives time to have internal discussions. The players will also get a few days off before Hannover hosts Elversberg on April 5th (1:30 p.m., in the NDR Livecenter).
“But then it’s clear: Next week there’s only one thing left, the focus is totally on Elversberg. We have a great starting position, we want to play a great home game together with our fans and, if possible, win the game.”
Will the fans become a rallying cry in the promotion race?
Becker will take over Schmadtke’s tasks together with his former managing director colleague Henning Bindzus until further notice. So that they also have their share in the possible promotion, it is important to continue working with concentration and calm. Coach Christian Titz’s team is only two points behind the promotion places; Hanover only celebrated their derby victory against Braunschweig last Friday.
As a bargaining chip in the tight race for the top places, Becker is relying on a derby effect: “We had a fantastic atmosphere here against Braunschweig. I think it will be very important that we have the place full again in the next home games and a great atmosphere. We have to take the people with us and create an energy.”
