Hannover 96 has moved quickly to fill the void left by the departing Stefan Leitl by appointing André Breitenreiter as its new head coach, marking his return to the role for a second stint. The announcement followed the club's decision to release Leitl after his 89-game tenure, during which time the team managed just one win in its last six matches.
Breitenreiter previously coached Hannover from 2017 to 2019, leading the team to promotion to the Bundesliga. Club officials are optimistic he can replicate this success as the current squad sits seventh in the second-division standings, just two points shy of challenging for the playoff positions.
“André has proven several times in his career,” stated Hannover’s sporting director, Marcus Mann. “He can guide a team consistently, stably, and successfully through the season at a high level of performance, especially during decisive games.” Mann expressed his confidence during the announcement, highlighting the urgency of the situation as the season heads toward its second half.
Speaking about his return, Breitenreiter emphasized his deep connection to the club, saying, “Everyone knows about my special connection to Hannover 96. I am a Hanoverian. I’ve experienced many unforgettable moments with the club as both player and coach. I approach this role with respect, but also with the great conviction we can have a very successful second half of the season together.”
Leitl’s departure was described by Mann as “not an easy decision.” After evaluating the team’s performance and their standings—despite only being two points from promotion—he noted there had been significant disappointments and the club lacked consistency. He expressed concern over the squad’s ability to contend for promotion under Leitl’s leadership, stating, “The belief...was no longer completely assured.”
Before his appointment, Breitenreiter had kept close ties with the club every step of the way, having watched all of Hannover’s matches this season. His familiarity with the current squad will eliminate any need for lengthy adjustments. Mann reiterated this point, saying, “We can and want to hit the ground running from day one.”
The new head coach was born and raised nearby, making his return even more significant. He won the DFB-Pokal with Hannover as a player in 1992 and found success as the club's head coach when he took the team to the Bundesliga just five years ago.
Leitl's dismissal came after Hannover faced two disappointing matches: one against SpVgg Greuther Fürth, where they lost 0-1, and another resulting in a 0-0 draw against Hertha BSC. These results highlighted the lack of progress, as the team remains within the hunt for promotion but failed to deliver the needed consistency. The club had previously set ambitious targets for the season under Leitl, who had been with Hannover since Summer 2022.
Leitl had aimed to guide the club back to the Bundesliga within three years, showing promise with finishes of 10th and 6th over his first two seasons. Yet, the board felt compelled to make this change as the season progressed, with the hope of reigniting their campaign for promotion.
Now, with Breitenreiter at the helm, expectations remain high among fans and club officials alike. The team is returning to training on January 2, ready to make their mark as they kick off the second half of the 2024/25 campaign against Jahn Regensburg, who currently sit at the bottom of the table. Both supporters and management see this as a pivotal opportunity for the club to press forward for the desired promotion.
It will be interesting to see how Breitenreiter instills his philosophy and strategy within the team right from the start. His previous stint at Hannover and the wealth of experience amassed from coaching roles at various clubs, including SC Paderborn, Schalke, and Huddersfield Town, will certainly play pivotal roles as the club aims to climb the standings.
With Breitenreiter’s intimate knowledge of Hannover and his unwavering determination to succeed, fans are hopeful for what lies ahead as the team heads back to training. The upcoming weeks will be telling for Hannover 96 and their new coach as they strive for consistency and success on their path toward the Bundesliga.