Hannover 96 were able to breathe a sigh of relief after ending a run of 16 games without a win with a victory in Augsburg on matchday 33. World Champion Ron-Robert Zieler was involved and he was finally able to celebrate a win again in his 150th Bundesliga appearance.
The Germany international sat down with DFB.de after the game to discuss Hannover's important win in Augsburg, his emotions following the victory and their upcoming game against SC Freiburg.
DFB.de: Mr. Zieler, what does it feel like to record a 2-1 victory in Augsburg after a run of 16 games without a win in the league?
Zieler: I think everyone saw after the final whistle what a huge relief it was for us. The run that we were on, without winning a game, was simply too long. It was extremely important for us to get this victory and take a positive feeling into our last home game against Freiburg. We know that we still have 90 minutes of football to play before it is certain that we avoid relegation. We need a good performance against Freiburg and if we manage to do that then I'm sure that we will stay in the top flight.
DFB.de: What went through your head when the referee blew the final whistle?
Zieler: I was relieved of course. We went down to ten men in the latter stages of the match. Augsburg threw everything at us and we defended with everything we had left. It was a very tight match and we kept our organisation at the back. I think we deserved the victory after playing well in recent weeks but always failing to pick up wins. It was a nice victory for us and we showed good fighting spirit, but that's what the relegation battle is all about at times.
DFB.de: Your emotions were also flying high and you made quite a risky challenge on Sascha Mölders inside your area.
Zieler: That was a regular challenge and not a foul. This game really did have everything that resembles a relegation battle, including red cards. Obviously these games make me slightly more emotional than others. It's a product of the current situation we find ourselves in. I try to push myself and my team mates on.
DFB.de: The victory, your emotions and the relief aside, are you a bit upset that SC Freiburg managed to win their game against FC Bayern.
Zieler: It's a bit unfortunate.
DFB.de: Are you upset with Bayern?
Zieler: Not upset. This is the Bundesliga and every team is beatable. I really can't assess the game because I haven't seen it yet.
DFB.de: Do you think it could be an advantage for you as you now know that you have to win the game and not just draw to be absolutely certain of your safety?
Zieler: I wouldn't say that it's an advantage. The other scenario would have been quite alright as well if you ask me. Nonetheless, we secured an important win today and I hope that we can take the momentum into our next and final game. We will try to deliver against Freiburg and then we should be safe.
created by mmc/fr
Hannover 96 were able to breathe a sigh of relief after ending a run of 16 games without a win with a victory in Augsburg on matchday 33. World Champion Ron-Robert Zieler was involved and he was finally able to celebrate a win again in his 150th Bundesliga appearance.
The Germany international sat down with DFB.de after the game to discuss Hannover's important win in Augsburg, his emotions following the victory and their upcoming game against SC Freiburg.
DFB.de: Mr. Zieler, what does it feel like to record a 2-1 victory in Augsburg after a run of 16 games without a win in the league?
Zieler: I think everyone saw after the final whistle what a huge relief it was for us. The run that we were on, without winning a game, was simply too long. It was extremely important for us to get this victory and take a positive feeling into our last home game against Freiburg. We know that we still have 90 minutes of football to play before it is certain that we avoid relegation. We need a good performance against Freiburg and if we manage to do that then I'm sure that we will stay in the top flight.
DFB.de: What went through your head when the referee blew the final whistle?
Zieler: I was relieved of course. We went down to ten men in the latter stages of the match. Augsburg threw everything at us and we defended with everything we had left. It was a very tight match and we kept our organisation at the back. I think we deserved the victory after playing well in recent weeks but always failing to pick up wins. It was a nice victory for us and we showed good fighting spirit, but that's what the relegation battle is all about at times.
DFB.de: Your emotions were also flying high and you made quite a risky challenge on Sascha Mölders inside your area.
Zieler: That was a regular challenge and not a foul. This game really did have everything that resembles a relegation battle, including red cards. Obviously these games make me slightly more emotional than others. It's a product of the current situation we find ourselves in. I try to push myself and my team mates on.
DFB.de: The victory, your emotions and the relief aside, are you a bit upset that SC Freiburg managed to win their game against FC Bayern.
Zieler: It's a bit unfortunate.
DFB.de: Are you upset with Bayern?
Zieler: Not upset. This is the Bundesliga and every team is beatable. I really can't assess the game because I haven't seen it yet.
DFB.de: Do you think it could be an advantage for you as you now know that you have to win the game and not just draw to be absolutely certain of your safety?
Zieler: I wouldn't say that it's an advantage. The other scenario would have been quite alright as well if you ask me. Nonetheless, we secured an important win today and I hope that we can take the momentum into our next and final game. We will try to deliver against Freiburg and then we should be safe.
