Steven Cherundolo – a name extremely closely connected with Hannover 96 from 1999 until January of this year. With a total of 302 Bundesliga games under his belt, the American is the Lower Saxony club’s all-time record appearance maker in Germany’s top-flight, and led the side as captain from 2010 until 2014. In addition, Cherundolo also notched up 68 Bundesliga 2 appearances with H96. In 2002, the former midfielder won promotion to the Bundesliga with Hannover. At the end of his active playing career in 2014, Steven Cherundolo took over as coach in Hannover’s youth teams – intermittently filling the role of co-trainer for the Bundesliga side. Until January of this year, the former US international was in charge of Hannover’s Under 17s.
The American has now opted to throw open a new chapter in his career. Since Wednesday of last week, Cherundolo is a member of VfB head-coach Tayfun Korkut’s trainer-team. "I had a wonderful time in Hannover as a player, youth coach and assistant-trainer. Now I am looking forward to the new challenge," explained the ex-midfielder on Wednesday, in an interview with VfB TV, adding: "I was very warmly welcomed here. The move was an easy one for me and it has worked out well."
This Sunday, the new man will join his coaching colleagues on the bench in the Mercedes-Benz Arena for the first time, when VfB play host to Borussia Mönchengladbach (kick-off 15:30 CET). "I have only ever experienced there as an opponent. Now I am looking forward to a game there with the home fans behind us. That support from the stands can be extremely decisive. For us, it’s all about picking up points now – as many as possible!" Steven Cherundolo & Co. are hoping to begin with that undertaking straight away this Sunday.