Hannover urged to move on from Enke tragedy

Hannover president Martin Kind says the death of Robert Enke can no longer be used by his team's players as an excuse for failing to win matches.

The Reds have failed to win since the Germany international goalkeeper took his life on November 11 and, as a result, they have slipped towards the relegation zone.

Although Enke's death shocked the nation and prompted an outpouring of grief, Kind says a line must now be drawn under the tragedy and life must return to normal.

"We will always honour Robert Enke in our thoughts, but Robert's death cannot and must not be an excuse anymore," he told the Welt newspaper.

"That is not to say that the team have used the tragedy as an excuse and they must be complimented for that.

"But sub-consciously, the tragedy will still have played a role.

"But in May, when the season ends, we will be judged by our results and there can be no excuses anymore.

"If we are relegated, nobody will ask what role Robert Enke's death played in it."

Hannover have decided to remove a large commemorative Enke shirt from the Niedersachsen Stadion, feeling it may be distracting the players.

Further measures, such as the employment of sports psychologists, are also under consideration as Kind looks to get Hannover back to winning ways after a drought which dates back to October 31.

"There are voices from the team which say that they have got over it, but on the other hand, the experts say that the players are still traumatised," added Kind.

"This is a tough question to answer, but I have made professional advice available to anybody who needs it."