Energy Cottbus's Pokal-Coup assisting in reinforcement search - Elias Bethke concerns raised
FC Energie Cottbus Advances in DFB-Pokal, Faces Uncertainty Over Goalkeeper Injury
FC Energie Cottbus secured a hard-fought victory in the first round of the DFB-Pokal, defeating Hannover 96 1:0. The winning goal was scored by Tolcay Cigerci in the 12th minute. However, the celebration was short-lived as starting goalkeeper Elias Bethke sustained an injury during warm-up and could not play.
Coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz could not yet provide a precise diagnosis of Bethke's injury, but a muscle fiber tear is suspected. An MRI examination is expected to provide more information on Monday. With Bethke's absence, only Alexander Sebald and the inexperienced Max Boehnke are currently available as goalkeepers for FC Energie Cottbus.
Sebald, however, stepped up to the occasion, making several crucial saves, including a penalty. His performance earned him the match winner accolade. The coach hinted at the possibility of signing another goalkeeper if Bethke's absence is prolonged. Candidates mentioned include Nils Körber (Fürth), Yannik Stein (Union Berlin) and Jan-Christoph Bartels (zuletzt Waldhof Mannheim), but the decision is yet to be made.
The draw for the second round will take place on August 31, and with an attractive draw, further income through a full stadium can be expected for FC Energie Cottbus. The chance of a success in the second round would bring in an additional 847,544 euros for the club.
Meanwhile, FC Energie Cottbus is still in need of an interior defender, an exterior defender, and a fast winger for the remaining two weeks of the summer transfer period. The squad should be largely complete by then, leaving only 24 hours until the transfer deadline on September 1.
It is quite possible that interested parties will emerge for players such as Dennis Slamar and Romario Hajrulla in the transfer sprint. However, no interested parties are currently known for these players. The DFB guarantees FC Energie Cottbus 423,772 euros for TV and marketing just for reaching the second round of the DFB-Pokal.
FC Energie Cottbus advanced in the DFB-Pokal for the first time since 2013, marking a significant milestone for the club. The team will be hoping to build on this success and overcome the challenges posed by Bethke's injury in the upcoming matches.
