Energie coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz promises a fight. Cottbus expert Ole Werner, on the other hand, would like to avoid any major stress with RB Leipzig in the cup match at the third division club. "The aim is not to allow a turbulent game. I've played there with Bremen, we're facing a passionate opponent," said the RB head coach ahead of the second-round match this Tuesday (20:45/Sky) at the Lausitzers and emphasized: "We won't underestimate the leaders of the third division."
Fears for Energie goalscorer
After the 4:3 win against promoted TSV Havelse, which also took them to the top of the table, Cottbus are worried about striker Erik Engelhardt. After a foul in the 73rd minute, he suffered pain in his hip and later had to be substituted. Tolcay Cigerci was also sidelined for a little longer with a damaged ankle. The loss of both attackers would be hard to cope with against RB, with Engelhardt alone scoring seven goals in the last six games.
Coach Wollitz was at odds with his defense after the three goals conceded by the previously winless promoted team. "If we carry on where we left off today, then the game will be over relatively quickly," he said in view of Leipzig's attacking power. He therefore tried to talk up his team. "They can say what they like. It will be a battle," promised the 60-year-old Energie coach.
Cottbus still unbeaten at home
In addition, Leipzig's 4-3-3 system suits Wollitz. "They play a good system, actually my favorite system," he said, demanding that the third-division club "hold out to get a cup thriller on Tuesday night if possible".
The Lusatians are still unbeaten at home this season. Energie knocked out second-division side Hannover in the first round of the cup. Energie have also won the cup and made it to the final in 1996/1997, where they lost 2-0 to VfB Stuttgart. In 2010/2011, they only reached the semi-finals, losing 2-1 to MSV Duisburg. This is the first second-round home game since 2010 and the LEAG Energie Stadion has been sold out for weeks with 22,528 fans.
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