RheinEnergieStadion: Home of Cologne(credit:
Wikipedia)
Hannover 96 coach Mirko Slomka has hailed his side’s focus ahead of tonight’s trip to Cologne.
Third-placed Die Roten secured a crucial 3-1 win over Bayern Munich last time out to open up a five-point gap between themselves and the reigning Bundesliga champions in the race for Champions League football.
Slomka knows that Bayern could close that gap once more if Hannover slip up at the RheinEnergieStadion tonight, and for that reason he is delighted to have seen his side quickly turn their attention to Cologne.
He said: “When you beat Bayern Munich, it is often difficult for a side to concentrate on their next game. But I don't have this impression with my lads at all.”
And Slomka is confident his team are ready to compete with Europe’s elite clubs if they secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
He added: “Of course we are ready for Europe
The team, the club and the city have everything it takes to play European football here. Our third position confirms that we are ready.”
While Hannover saw off Bayern Munich last weekend, Cologne were beaten 1-0 by runaway leaders Borussia Dortmund.
Watch Cologne v Hannover 96 live at 365, kicking off at 19.30 GMT.