Sandro Wagner wins Hannover 96 debut in 2-0 friendly victory over SC Verl
First-half goals from Marcel Hartel and Franz Roggow gave Hannover 96 a 2-0 victory against third-tier SC Verl in front of 4,500 spectators, marking Sandro Wagner's first match in charge.
First-half goals secure debut win
Sandro Wagner stood on the sideline as head coach of 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96 for the first time during a test match against third-tier SC Verl. Playing at their home stadium in front of 4,500 spectators, Hannover secured a 2-0 victory with all goals scored in the opening half. Midfielder Marcel Hartel opened the scoring in the 10th minute by converting a penalty. Franz Roggow doubled the advantage in the 35th minute to establish a two-goal lead before the break. Hannover maintained control of the scoreline through the remainder of the fixture to seal the win.
- Marcel Hartel scores from a penalty kick to give Hannover 96 a 1-0 lead
- Franz Roggow doubles the lead to 2-0 before halftime
- Pascal Loretz replaces starting goalkeeper Leo Weinkauf
Squad rotation and defensive clean sheet
Wagner used the friendly to evaluate his goalkeeping personnel and provide match practice to returning players. Leo Weinkauf started in goal, having previously played five of the six league fixtures under dismissed head coach Christian Titz. Following the halftime break, Swiss goalkeeper Pascal Loretz, signed at the beginning of the season, took over in goal. SC Verl, currently placed 11th in the 3. Liga standings, created few scoring opportunities and rarely tested either goalkeeper. Defender Jean Hugonet also featured in the match, marking his first appearance since suffering an injury in late August.
League standings and upcoming schedule
The test match concluded Hannover's initial preparations under Wagner before returning to competitive league action. Hannover 96 currently occupy 10th place in the 2. Bundesliga table, having earned seven points across their first six league matches of the campaign. The team travels next Saturday for an away match against 1. FC Magdeburg. Wagner will then oversee his first competitive home match on 17 October against FC St. Pauli.
