Energie Cottbus faces a challenging ordeal in the DFB Cup competition
FC Energie Cottbus Starts 2025/2026 Season Strong
FC Energie Cottbus has made a promising start to the 2025/2026 3. Liga season, currently sitting in a strong position near the top of the league table. After two games, the team has one win and one draw, remaining unbeaten, scoring five goals, and conceding three, which puts them in second place with four points or close by in the early standings [1][3].
The underdogs are set to face Hannover 96 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal, but their recent form gives Cottbus fans hope. The team has shown competitive form, as evidenced by their 2-1 away win against TSG Hoffenheim II [5].
The team's offensive output has been particularly impressive, with Nyamekye Awortwie-Grant, Leon Butler, and Leon Guware, three new players who have started in the starting lineup, contributing significantly. Butler and Guwara have each provided an assist, and Tolgay Cigerci, a double goalscorer, stated that Cottbus could have scored six goals in their second game [4].
Despite this, coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz has criticized his players for lacking "ruthlessness" in capitalizing on such situations earlier [4]. Wollitz, who described his team as consisting of "failures" and players from lower leagues, has emphasized the need for his team to deliver good football for 38 games [4].
Meanwhile, Hannover 96 has started the season better than FC Energie, winning both of its games without conceding a goal [6]. However, they conceded an equalizing goal just before the end of the second game [6]. Under their new coach Christian Titz, Hannover 96 is playing demanding possession football combined with aggressive pressing against the ball [2].
The initial goal for FC Energie Cottbus was to stay in the league, but the team is currently performing better than expected. A look back at the previous cup season could give Cottbus fans hope, as Arminia Bielefeld, a third-tier team, managed to defeat seemingly invincible opponents and made it to the Berlin final [1].
As the season progresses, continued strong performances will be essential for FC Energie Cottbus to maintain their promotion challenge in the 3. Liga this season. The team's unbeaten start and offensive output provide a positive foundation for their promotion prospects, but it is still early in the season, and consistent performance throughout the campaign will be crucial to cement their promotion prospects.
References:
[1] Cottbus starts 2025/2026 season with a bang
[2] Energie Cottbus: The season has started positively
[3] FC Energie Cottbus: The team is in second place after two games
[4] FC Energie Cottbus: The team lacks ruthlessness
[5] FC Energie Cottbus: The team secures points against TSG Hoffenheim II
[6] Hannover 96: The team has started the season well
FC Energie Cottbus' impressive offensive performance, propelled by their new players like Nyamekye Awortwie-Grant, Leon Butler, and Leon Guware, could potentially spur them to success in European-leagues, emulating the feat of Arminia Bielefeld, who defied expectations and reached the Berlin final in the previous cup season. The team's strong start, with one win and one draw in the 3. Liga season, places them close to the top of the league table and bodes well for their Premier-League aspirations.
