“A fourth goal would have completely killed the game”

How satisfied were you with today’s match?
We made a bright start to the game against a highly-motivated opponent that is currently under pressure just like us. So it was no surprise that the tackles were flying in. We managed to pass the ball around well in the opening stages and broke the deadlock, but then the game seemed to slip from our control after the equaliser. Hannover were determined and very good at that point.

How did you react at half time?
I simply told my team that it would be great if they could start playing football again. Unfortunately, Hannover also made a bright start to the second period. Things didn’t begin too well for us. Then they went down to ten men and I think we were superb after that. Our second and third goals were set up brilliantly. I think that a fourth goal would have completely killed the game. But we just couldn’t manage it – it’s probably because the boys are tired from their efforts over the past few weeks. So we sat back a little too much and Stindl scored a wonderful goal. Then things really got tight in the closing stages…

But all’s well that ends well?
We managed to get over the line in the end. Anyone looking at the table can see just how important today’s victory was.

What position are you aiming to finish in now? Or are you trying not to set the bar too high given that the next two Bundesliga fixtures are against Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach respectively?
I like questions that answer themselves. We are now eight points above the relegation zone and are no longer in the thick of it. But it’s not as if we are guaranteed the maximum of six points from our next two Bundesliga matches. Our plan is simply to get more and more points on the board. Since the winter break we have picked up 18 points and lost on just one occasion. Only once it is mathematically impossible for us to be relegated will we start to focus our attention elsewhere.

In recent times there’s been a lot of talk about your side’s struggles in front of goal. How happy are you at scoring three good goals?
And there was also a fourth gilt-edged chance which was set up brilliantly. Our problem is a lack of consistency. I’ve seen us at our best and our worst in this respect – and I’ve also seen what we are capable of. Our build-up play and our passing movement have been good in the last few games, we just need to make the right decisions when we get in those dangerous positions in front of goal. The boys are now away for ten days, and then when they’re back I’ll have to do my best to remind them that they created good chances in Hannover.

And what’s your take on Leonardo Bittencourt's dismissal?
I don’t normally pay much attention to the other team’s players. But a lot happened on the side he was playing on. Leo was very lively and had a really good game. It’s a real shame that he was sent off today. He was just a tad too late with his tackle. It had a massive impact on Hannover. Overall, I think he has developed really well as a player.

Compiled by Boris Rupert