Eintracht Norderstedt: Coach Ostermann is fighting the crisis!

Eintracht Norderstedt: Coach Ostermann is fighting the crisis!

In the small but beautiful Norderstedt, the situation in the Regionalliga Nord remains tense. On November 26th, 2025, the Norderstedter Kickers still occupy a place in the table cellar after an eventful season. A current castling at the goalkeeper position is causing discussions and a certain optimism, while coach Elard Ostermann is struggling with the insecurities in the team. Kicker reports that Niklas Petzsch is temporarily number 1 in goal while an interesting job-sharing model is being tested.

Although the last game against Phönix Lübeck was canceled due to an unplayable pitch - and left over 100 disappointed fans in front of closed stadium gates - Ostermann sees potential in his team. The strong performances in the DFB Cup against St. Pauli and the victories against Drochtersen/Assel and Phönix Lübeck are evidence of this. But it is inevitable that the team has already lost a lead six times, which creates additional pressure. What was particularly bitter was the fact that these games only resulted in three additional points and that captain Moritz Frahm was out until the end of the season after an Achilles tendon operation.

Changes in the coaching team

Before the focus turns to the next game against Hannover 96 II, Eintracht Norderstedt is also making personnel changes to the coaching team. The team has almost completely been announced for the 2025/2026 season and only two squad positions remain open. Elard Ostermann remains head coach, while Florian Rammer remains on board as assistant coach and fitter. Eintracht Norderstedt has hired a new assistant coach, Jens Heck, who has already held various coaching positions, including in Canada. Heck brings a certain freshness and expertise as he also specializes in video analysis and individual training. Sports director Frank Spitzer was enthusiastic about the chemistry between Ostermann and Heck and sees the coaching team in a good position.

Given the demanding season, it's not just the trainers' sporting knowledge that is important. The mental state of the players is also becoming increasingly important. Sports psychologists play a key role in helping to manage athletes' resilience and pressure to perform. However, a clear definition of the tasks for sports psychologists in football is often nebulous. The DFB’s “Expert in Football Psychology” certificate is intended to help better define this role and impart the necessary skills. How DFB Academy explains, confidential exchange between players and psychologists is essential in order to meet the demands of football.

Next week, the team will look forward to the return to the game of Emanuel Mirchev, who could make his debut in the next meeting. Another bright spot that could bring a breath of fresh air into the troubled team. The Norderstedt fans are hoping for revenge for the bitter 4-0 defeat in the first leg and want nothing more than for their team to find their way out of the bottom of the table and gain new strength.