Cottbus in the 3rd division - Additional energy from fans
FC Energie Cottbus is banking on its fans to help secure its place in the league. "As a promoted team, we need extraordinary support from our audience. We want to carry the euphoria from last season with us," said coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz ahead of the season opener in the 3rd Bundesliga against Arminia Bielefeld on Sunday at 16:30.
The former Bundesliga side returns to professional football after five years in the fourth tier. In 2018/19, their last appearance in the 3rd Liga lasted only one year. President Sebastian Lemke has set staying in the league as the top priority for the season. "We want to establish ourselves in the 3rd Liga in the long term. Therefore, staying in the league is our top priority. Anything else would be unrealistic given our financial capabilities," he explained.
The departures of Jonas Hildebrandt (retirement) and top scorer Tim Heike (FC Ingolstadt) are significant setbacks. Additionally, there are now concerns about Timmy Thiele ahead of the opener against Bielefeld. The midfielder, who recently recovered from an ankle injury, suffered a head injury in a training accident on Thursday. Thiele was taken to the hospital, but coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz reported that no serious injuries were found. "We hope Timmy can play against Bielefeld," the coach emphasized.
Energie expects around 13,000 spectators at the stadium for the season opener, with 3,100 season tickets sold. The average attendance at home games last season was 8,213.
The team's coaches, including Claus-Dieter Wollitz, are exhorting fans to show their support, given that Soccer is a crucial factor in FC Energie Cottbus's bid to maintain its position in the league. Despite the absence of key players like Jonas Hildebrandt and top scorer Tim Heike, Energie Cottbus is set to face Bielefeld in their Soccer match, with concerns over Timmy Thiele's head injury impeding their preparations.
