Overview
- Wagner sat on the Hannover 96 bench for the first time in a 2-0 win over Verl as Marcel Hartel and Franz Roggow scored and the coach switched from a three-man backline to a four-man line during the match.
- In training before the game Wagner used music and focused heavily on set pieces and intense standards work to build tempo and pressing habits he asked players to show on the pitch.
- Wagner split goalkeeping duties for the test match, with Leo Weinkauf and Pascal Loretz each playing one half so the coach could assess both options in game conditions.
- Several regulars were unavailable because of international call-ups or injuries, which opened spots for reserves and youth players; 18-year-old Camillo Lehmkuhl saw first-team involvement and Jean Hugonet returned to action after a four-week back problem.
- About 5,000 fans attended the friendly at Hannover's stadium and the club will watch how Wagner’s tactical changes and squad rotations hold up when the team returns to league play in the coming week.