The only Bundesliga team unbeaten at home in the league in 2011/2012 were Hannover. Had they had half as much success at away venues, they’d be planning for the Champions League next season. The Niedersachsen side probably suffered in the league due to a gruelling if commendable run in the Europa League. A narrow victory over bottom-of-the-league Kaiserslautern on the final day ensured they’d be in the running for European football again next season. Although Hannover didn’t do quite as well in the league this season, they were still a force to be reckoned with. Despite not being amongst the leading scoring sides, Abdellaoue, Diouf and Ya Konan bagged some vital goals between them. Nobody would dispute the fact that international goalkeeper Zieler is one of the best in the land. Dead ball specialist Pinto played his part as usual as did playmaker Schlaudraff. Festivities on the last day were overshadowed by the news that their sports director is resigning. Despite mixed fortunes of late, Hannover will still be thereabouts in the top half of the league next season.
