Cottbus expert Werner wants to avoid stress in Lusatia

Both teams come into the second round of the DFB Cup with plenty of momentum. Energie Cottbus are still unbeaten at home and want to make the most of their mini-chance against Bayern chasers RB Leipzig this Tuesday (20:45/Sky). "It's going to be a battle," promised Energie coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz. But the two-time cup winners from Leipzig want to avoid stress in Lusatia as much as possible. "The aim is not to allow a turbulent game. I played there with Bremen, and a passionate opponent awaits us," said RB head coach Ole Werner, who is almost something of a Cottbus expert.

He won 3-1 with Werder in the first round in the previous season and 2-1 with the North Germans in 2022, so the new RB coach knows the significance. "It's a knockout game at the leaders of the 3rd division. It's not an easy task. We will make sure that we are as well prepared as possible. We're the favorites and we'll accept that role," said Werner, who has brought in Belgian Maarten Vandevoordt for Peter Gulacsi in goal. Cottbus are worried about striker Erik Engelhardt, who had to leave the pitch with an injury after the 4-3 defeat to Havelse.