Energie Cottbus need more courage against Werder

Third division side Energie Cottbus are longing for a DFB Cup surprise in their clash with Werder Bremen. But the promoted club's self-confidence has suffered after the two defeats at the start of the new season in the 3rd division. "We need 110 percent to even have a chance of winning a soccer match. We didn't get there recently," said Energie coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz ahead of the new clash with SV Werder on Monday (18:00/Sky) in the sold-out Leag Energie Stadium.

Two years ago, the Lusatians also faced the northern club in the first round of the cup. On that occasion, the Bundesliga side prevailed 2:1. The Lusatians' last first-round success was eleven years ago. In the 2013/14 season, FC Energie won as a second division team at 1. FC Magdeburg.

Two defeats despite taking the lead

Wollitz is also plagued by personnel concerns ahead of the rematch against Werder. Both attackers Timmy Thiele and Romarjo Hajrulla are injured. Thiele, in particular, is doubtful.

Energie Cottbus lost their first two games of the season against Arminia Bielefeld (1:2) and Dynamo Dresden (2:4) despite taking the lead and making a good start. "If we are courageous and play our soccer, then every opponent will have a hard time. We have to do that consistently for 90 minutes," said midfielder Tolcay Cigerci.