Cottbus coach: Light years between Energie and Dynamo

Cottbus coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz sees worlds between his club and Dynamo Dresden off the pitch ahead of the top-of-the-table clash in the third division. On the pitch, however, the 59-year-old expects an evenly-matched game.

"If you compare and contrast the capabilities of both clubs: stadium, infrastructure, ability to put a team together, financially. The power that the opponent has: an average attendance of 29,000 spectators," said the coach. "Of course, that's light years in my soccer world. Nevertheless, we won't make ourselves smaller in this one game, but we won't make ourselves bigger either."

Promoted Cottbus lead the table ahead of Saturday's game (2.00 pm/RBB and MagentaSport) with a two-point advantage over the Saxons. One could speak of a 50/50 game, said Wollitz. The stadium in Cottbus will be sold out with 20,000 fans. Due to the two opposing fan camps, the police will be deployed in large numbers.

Wollitz calls for support from politicians

In the long term, the 59-year-old sees problems ahead for Energie. The club has reliable sponsors, "who give the club fantastic support, especially in the regional league. But that never became anything more," he said. "Unfortunately, that won't be enough to maintain this level of professional soccer in the long term."

Wollitz also criticized the lack of support from politicians to strengthen the infrastructure. "When it comes to good cards: Then first row. When it comes to pitching in: The phone is off. Temporarily unavailable." The association is helping to bring people together.