Competition for places pleases Domenico Tedesco

However, this doesn’t play a massive role in Domenico Tedesco’s thinking. The coach is far more concerned with getting another good result after the opening day victory against RB Leipzig. “Hannover have a good side and will ask a lot of us”, said the 31-year-old about the opponents who were also victorious in their first match. The newly promoted side won 1-0 against 1. FSV Mainz 05. “They had a clear structure and were well drilled. They closed down the space well and get the ball forward quickly.“

Nevertheless, Tedesco also knows the strengths of his own team and knows they’ll be well supported from the stands in the capital of Niedersachsen. “We’re looking forward to seeing lots of Schalke fans in Hannover”, he said. “I’m most worried about what’s happening on the pitch. Having the fans behind our backs is definitely an advantage”, highlighted the Royal Blue head coach.

After a cured foot injury, Guido Burgstaller is back in Tedesco’s plans. “He’s returned to training and is an option going into the game”, explained Tedesco who is also without Benjamin Stambouli. The Frenchman is still suspended following a red card last season.

Who will be making the starting XI, the 31-year-old will not say. “We have good competition for places in the team which I’m very happy about”, said a happy Tedesco who added: “I have to make some difficult decisions regarding the line-up but it would be worse if that wasn’t the case.”