Hannover may well be disappointed with their season having gone so close on two fronts but just failing to make the grade. In the league they finished just outside of the European places while in the Europa League they were narrowly edged out by Anzhi in the knockout rounds. Mirko Slomka’s side went into the season looking to build upon a good last term having qualified for Europe and going the whole year without losing a game at home. But they failed to meet the standard set last year as they quickly became a side locked in mid-table. Their small squad was often overwhelmed by the physical requirements needed to play on two fronts as they battled through a tough Europa League group. At the turn of the year they had everything to play for as they sat within reach of the European places and had made it through to the knockout stages of the Europa League. But their post Christmas form lacked consistency and at crucial times they simply did not make the grade losing to Anzhi away in Europe and to other rivals for the top six. Once knocked out of Europe they could focus on their league position but injuries continually ravaged the side meaning Slomka could rarely choose the same side twice and they never really managed to kick on and head up the league. They will certainly try and add depth to their side with their core squad able to play at a high standard when fit. Crucial will also be to keep hold of their goalkeeper, Ron-Robert Zieler who starred in many of their good performances and was often called upon to keep them in matches which they would have lost had he not been between the posts.
