VfB Lübeck before away game at HSC Hannover: Capretti expects a "tough battle" despite secured league status

VfB Lübeck has already secured its place in the Regionalliga Nord. Nevertheless, head coach Guerino Capretti warns of an intense away game against the newly promoted HSC Hannover, who are threatened with relegation. Kick-off is today at 3 p.m.

Different starting positions – and that's exactly where the danger lies

For Lübeck, it's no longer about sheer survival in the league, but about finishing the season cleanly. At HSC Hannover, the situation is more tense: as a promoted team, the club is fighting relegation, and every point counts in the battle against immediate relegation.

Capretti therefore expects a different character to the game than in matches without existential pressure on the opponent – and demands that his team not get carried away by the emotions. He says: "This will be a completely different game, there are different conditions. HSC is in the middle of the relegation battle, so we can expect a tough fight. We have to keep a cool head, not get hectic, keep up the intensity, maintain order at the back, and play the game out seriously to the end."

The message is clear: VfB does not want to just "manage" but stay focused – especially because in such games, small details often decide the outcome. When the opponent is under pressure, tackles get tougher, second balls become more important, and set pieces quickly become a mood barometer. That's exactly where a brief lapse in order can be enough to cause unnecessary problems.

Capretti sees quality on the ball – and starting points against the ball

In his tactical preparation, Capretti highlights two sides of HSC. With the ball, he trusts the Hannover team to find solutions: "This is a team that feels comfortable on the ball, that has some good players in its ranks."

At the same time, he identifies the area where Lübeck should focus: "Against the ball, that's where our chance lies, they've already had one or two problems there. We have to exploit that."

This is more than a general hint. It targets phases of play in which VfB forces the opponent into defensive decisions: pressing moments, transition actions, clear runs after winning the ball. Especially against teams fighting relegation, a structured, repeatable plan can be important – because the intensity is high, but patience often breaks down if the first actions don't succeed.

Reminder of the first leg: A lead is not enough, discipline is a factor

The first leg at Lohmühle serves as a warning. Lübeck led at halftime but ended up losing 2-1. Capretti also remembers an exceptionally hectic match: "We lost the game, I remember it was a really wild one, with three red cards."

For the second leg, this is a double warning: first, the game can turn even if Lübeck has control at times. Second, the game can become emotional – and thus a question of discipline and structure. In exactly these kinds of matches, where the opponent "has to" and your own pressure seems lower, professional attitude becomes the decisive quality feature.

Key for Lübeck: a good start – and concentration until the final whistle

Capretti wants a strong opening phase and, above all, consistency over 90 minutes: "I want an opening phase like in Jeddeloh, but also consistency and focus over the full match time."

He combines this with pace and intensity and a clear desire for control. A good start can help dampen the relegation battle feeling early – provided Lübeck remains stable afterwards, defends seriously, and doesn't let itself get rushed.

All in all, the starting position is comfortable, but the task is demanding: Lübeck plays without relegation pressure – but that's exactly why they must not become careless. Capretti relies on a cool head, order, and a consistently played-out game.