Rostock (dpa / mv) – The second division soccer club FC Hansa Rostock mixes a spirit of optimism, anticipation and a healthy dose of respect eleven days before the start of the season. After nine years in the 3rd division, the newcomer wants to return to permanent residence in the 2nd division. “We all have a big goal in mind. It will be a huge challenge for us to stay in the league. Now we have to deliver from day one,” said Hansa’s sports director Martin Pieckenhagen.
The 49-year-old has been one of the upswing architects at the traditional club since 2019. The ex-Bundesliga professional led Hansa to the top together with trainer Jens Härtel thanks to a clever transfer policy and continuous, calm work. After two sixth places in a row, the last GDR champion celebrated the direct resurgence in second place last season.
For Hansa, the return to League 2 is an economic boon. After tough years with the threat of bankruptcy, the traditional club can hope for higher income. The budget of the previous season (4.5 million euros) will roughly double due to the increased TV money (8 million euros). “The ten or twelve years in the third division have not done the club any good. We have to significantly improve our infrastructure in order to be competitive,” said Hansa’s CEO Robert Marien. Until the start of the season alone, the club will invest half a million euros in the stadium, security, video technology and fan support.
There is euphoria among the frenetic Hansa fans. The association set a season ticket record with 11,500 tickets sold. 14,600 spectators are to be admitted to the Ostseestadion for the first home game under pandemic conditions. In addition, the association is planning a pilot project with a maximum of 1000 guest fans.
The Eastern Club is also facing the greatest sporting challenge in recent years. With the northern duels against Werder, HSV, Kiel and St. Pauli, the splendor of earlier Bundesliga times wafts through the Ostseestadion. Nevertheless, Hansa has so far refrained from the major upheaval in terms of personnel. With the newcomers Hanno Behrens (31 / Nuremberg), Ridge Munsy (32 / Würzburg) and Thomas Meißner (30 / 1st League Hungary), the newcomer relies above all on experienced staff. “Of course we keep our eyes open for reinforcements. It is more important that the team functions as a unit,” emphasized Pieckenhagen.
That Hansa could exist in League 2, indicated the promoted in the test matches. In the 3-0 win against Champions League starter VfL Wolfsburg, the promoted team harmonized surprisingly well. “We have taken a step forward,” said coach Jens Härtel after the one-week training camp in Kremmen (Brandenburg).
Above all, when it comes to readiness for running and duels, as well as switching behavior, they are on the right track. “We mustn’t overestimate the result. But if everyone pulls together, you can see what we’re capable of,” said Härtel, who still has time at home against Karlsruher SC until the start on July 24th, on the subtleties for the adventure of working 2nd division.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210712-99-355632 / 4
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