Official: Mann departs Hannover 96, Schmadtke takes over role | OneFootball

News in the 2. Bundesliga emerged this afternoon that Marcus Mann is leaving Hannover 96 after more than four years together.

As the second-division club officially announced via an online statement, the departing sporting director is joining Austrian giants RB Salzburg.

Mann has put pen to paper on a contract that will run until 2030. He the  bid an emotional farewell to Hannover in his final statement before leaving the Lower Saxony club. 

"Leaving Hannover 96 is very difficult for me. I was always fully committed during these four and a half years and have grown very fond of the club, the city, and the people.

"Therefore, it wasn't an easy decision to take on a new challenge. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has accompanied me on my journey," said the 41-year-old.

His successor – Jörg Schmadtke – will take over the reins on January 1, 2026, and has committed to the position until 2029.

"I am very pleased that we have been able to secure the services of Jörg Schmadtke, an expert with extensive experience, to shape the sporting future of Hannover 96.

"He stands for a structured approach, decisiveness, and ultimately, successful work," said H96 supervisory board chairman Martin Kind, of Schmadtke's appointment.