Legend is now a coach
Return to 96? “Of course I can imagine that”
12/28/2024 – 2:34 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
He was a regular player at Hannover 96 for 15 years – only two players have worn the “Reds” jersey more often. Steven Cherundolo still has his eye on his former club.
Nobody plays as many Bundesliga games for Hannover 96 as Steven Cherundolo. The American played 302 games in the “upper house”, mostly as a right defender. Only Peter Anders (502) and Jörg Sievers (494) can beat the total of 415 competitive games for 96. In short: Steven Cherundolo is one of the most influential figures in the history of Hannover 96 and has a special place in the hearts of the club and its fans.
The 45-year-old is also successful as a trainer. With Los Angeles FC he won the MLS in 2022 and the US Cup in 2024. Hannover 96 coach Stefan Leitl, however, has been criticized after the first half of the season: Since the team stormed to the top of the table at the beginning of November, they have only managed one win. The team showed great fluctuations in performance. Leitl’s contract ends after the season.
Could Steven Cherundolo’s hour then come? He still carries his former club in his heart: “Of course I can imagine that,” he revealed to “Bild”.
And further: “It would be incredibly exciting to work with Hannover 96 again – in whatever role.” However, the topic is not hot. “But when that might be? I have no idea,” Cherundolo said. It just has to work for both sides.
So Steven Cherundolo should be able to live with it if Stefan Leitl gets 96 back on the road to success. In any case, he hopes for a successful second half of the season: “The league is very tight, there is no clear favorite. Why shouldn’t it be 96 that goes up in the end?”