Our guest today is Hannover's left back 'Kocka' Rausch. Against league leaders Leverkusen Hannover put in an impressive performance, but in the end it was just 0-0. Were you as a team pleased with yourselves nonetheless?

Rausch: I think in terms of our performance, commitment and the way we went about the game, we can definitely be satisfied. We played better than Leverkusen and created more chances for ourselves. The only think we can be criticised for is that we really should've scored.

What made the team strong against Bayer?

Rausch: Our team unity. That's always something that makes us strong, when we really make an effort to play as a team. We survive through aggression and presence and we are strong when everyone battles for each other.

The next opponent is Borussia Mönchengladbach, a team in the middle of the table like yourselves. Do you approach this game with the same mindset as the game against Leverkusen or are different tactics needed?

Rausch: Out there on the pitch we've got to be just as we were against Leverkusen - aggressive, battle in the challenges and win the ball whenever possible. In terms of our own play we should get a few more chances than against Bayer.

You've risen up the ranks to the first team at a young age. How do you view your own development so far?

Rausch: I've been here since the youth team days and Hannover 96 has given me so much. It's all gone by relatively quickly. I played a couple of games for the youth team and the amateurs and then all of a sudden I was offered a professional contract. Soon after I played in my first game for the first team. At first I was simply overjoyed, then you have to make a name for yourself within the side. Until now it's been going really well!

It's been going very well defensively in particular. In the last few games it seems that you have also become a stronger attacking player. Is this based on instructions from the trainer?

Rausch: No that wasn't a specific instruction from the trainer. I've taken it on myself, because I know I have something to offer in attack. Of course it's important to first and foremost be strong at the back; as a defender that's the most important thing. But my attacking prowess is getting better slowly but surely and I'm going to keep trying my best to set a ground work.

Looking towards the future then; key words 'career planning.' How long can we expect to see you in a Hannover shirt?

Rausch: At the moment we're in negotiations and we'll see what comes from that.

In the last few games the fans support for the players has been even more noticeable, even if the results haven't been quite so pleasing. Do you appreciate that on the pitch?

Rausch: Yes! As things heat up, the support from the crowd plays an important role. In games there are certain moments were you really appreciate the support from the fans. Of course, for us it's really really important, that the fans support us, particularly after the last few difficult weeks. It's really great to see the relationship between the team and the fans growing.

Thanks for the interview 'Kocka'!