Energie Cottbus Aims for Victory in Final Match to Secure Relegation Playoff

Energie Cottbus is set to face FC Ingolstadt in a crucial final match of the season, with aspirations of advancing to the relegation playoffs of the 3. Fußball-Liga. The match is scheduled for Saturday at 1:30 PM and will be broadcast on Magentasport.

Having positioned themselves favorably in the league standings, Cottbus aims to secure a home victory that would not only solidify their third place but also maintain their hopes for an upward transition to the second division through the upcoming relegation matches.

Head coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz has expressed the significance of achieving a high-performance level from his players in this decisive encounter. He emphasized that the team should not require additional motivation, given the stakes involved.

Wollitz highlighted the need for a concentrated team effort, akin to their successful outing against Hansa Rostock, where the players demonstrated exemplary performance. He urged fans to create a lively atmosphere reminiscent of previous home games, stating that collective enthusiasm would be pivotal.

Despite FC Ingolstadt's recent struggles, having not won in their last seven matches and suffering four consecutive losses, Wollitz remains cautious. He noted that Ingolstadt had previously contended for promotion and possesses skilled strikers capable of making an impact.

Among the players to watch is Tim Heike, a former Cottbus player who left the club following their promotion last year. Wollitz playfully remarked on Heike's awareness of the game's dynamics, suggesting he might have to temper his performance against his former team.

In preparation for the match, Wollitz is hopeful that key players including Lucas Copado, Timmy Thiele, and Niko Brettschneider will be fit to participate. They recently resumed light training, and Thiele could join Erik Engelhardt in a potent two-striker formation, which Wollitz believes is among the best in the league.

Should Energie Cottbus achieve their goal of reaching the relegation playoffs, they will face the 16th-placed team in the second division, with the first leg set for May 23 and the return match on May 27, both at 8:30 PM.