Sandro Wagner under pressure after Hannover's DFB-Pokal-exit: "We are on the right track!"

Sandro Wagner is facing increasing pressure at Hannover 96 after a 2-0 defeat to 1. FC Kaiserslautern knocked his side out of the DFB-Pokal.

Sandro Wagner.

Photo: Stuart Franklin / Getty Images.

Sandro Wagner's difficult start at Hannover 96 has taken another turn for the worse. Wednesday's 2-0 defeat against 1. FC Kaiserslautern eliminated Hannover from the DFB-Pokal, just three days after their painful derby loss to Eintracht Braunschweig. Wagner is still waiting for his first win after four matches in charge, having suffered three defeats and one draw.

Despite the latest setback, Wagner insisted that his team had shown signs of improvement against Kaiserslautern, even though the result failed to reflect their performance.

"If you look at the data, there should only be one winner today: Hannover. But that's not how football works. You have to take the win; it doesn't come to you. In terms of our performance, we took a step in the right direction after some poor games recently. But of course, the result isn't good," Wagner said.

The Hannover coach also outlined his immediate priority, insisting that the club must first avoid becoming involved in the relegation battle.

"Our clear objective is to have nothing to do with relegation battle in the second division. Sometimes you need time in a job, no matter where you work. We are on the right track," he added.

Sporting director Jonas Boldt backed Wagner, confirming that the coach would be given time to improve the situation.

"I have a great relationship with Sandro. He will get time from me, and the team will get time, too. But this isn't really about me and my future or Sandro and his future. It's about Hannover 96, and we want to turn this negative trend around as soon as possible," Boldt said.

With Hannover already out of the cup and struggling in the league, the pressure is mounting. Wagner and his players now need results to turn their season around.