“We radio on one wave”: This is how manager Marcus Mann works at Hannover 96
How do you work as a sports director? How do you find out whether professionals fit the team in terms of character?
advertisement
I start my network and try to get as much information as possible. The sporty can be seen in the stadium or on video. But the human aspect, how does he tick in the team or when things don’t go that way? Can you rely on him or does he hide?
You learn that from people who know the player better. I’ve never signed a player I haven’t spoken to beforehand, even on the phone if necessary. In the end, your gut feeling must also be right.
You fired the sports director in Saarbrücken as coach Dirk Lottner, although the team was in first place. How did you experience that?
That caused a lot of excitement. Dirk had done a very good job, but our big lead had shrunk to two points and we had the feeling that we had to set a point of irritation. In retrospect, it was confirmed.
At that time, advancement was paramount, and in my position you sometimes have to make unpleasant decisions. But the decision was associated with risk. Sometimes you have to let everything bounce off you and endure an uncomfortable week, that’s part of the business.
Why did you move to Hoffenheim despite the promotion, as head of sport in the U23 youth department?
It was very difficult for me to say goodbye. When I was playing, I was in Saarbrücken for six and a half years and always felt comfortable. In Saarbrücken I had all the freedom. But that is not the norm, although I am still very grateful for the trust. In Hoffenheim I worked with three managing directors, sports directors and shareholders in a completely different environment.
The managers of Hannover 96 since 1996:
What would you like to transfer from Hoffenheim to Hanover?
Hoffenheim is known for its ability to train young players and throw them into the professional team. Hoffenheim is a role model here. But I am not a fan of the fact that everything that is new is also good. Football always remains football.
Can you compare Dietmar Hopp with Martin Kind?
Both clubs owe a lot to them, they wouldn’t exist without each other. But Hopp is a little further away from everyday business. I talk to Martin Kind at least once or twice. That is very positive, constructive and pleasant.
How is the exchange with trainer Zimmermann going?
I talk to Jan every day, if there is no training, we talk on the phone for at least 20 minutes. We spark on a wave and look at many things alike. If that’s not the case, we’ll talk about it. We also talk through the next game, what a line-up might look like, but Jan makes the decision. Still, he knows my opinion.
advertisement
Would you be able to exert even more influence if you sat on the bench instead of in the stands?
I think I can lens something to Jan at halftime when I’m a little further away. I can be more emotional. In this respect, it is also a self-protection that I do not comment on every referee’s decision and discuss it with the fourth official. I’ve learned that it doesn’t work. If there are serious tactical things that you can’t wait until halftime with, then there are ways and means to communicate it.
In the next part of the interview there is on Monday: 96 Manager Mann about Corona worries, scouting, family and free time.