Football Season Guide

Cottbus continued their progression under boss Claus-Dieter Wollitz, securing promotion back to the second-tier for the time in 12 seasons. Cottbus can be pleased with their summer transfer business so far as they look to try and compete at this level. They have also managed to keep the majority of their core players from last season, apart from defender Awortwie-Grant and goalkeeper Funk. Lotka has been brought in as Funk’s replacement between the sticks, but did not get much playing time at previous club Dusseldorf. In defence Manu, who impressed on loan last season, has signed permanently while young centre-back Doumbia is looking to prove himself on loan. The experience of Malone from Erzgebirge will also help to guide the younger players. Attacking midfield duo Guttau and Wardak will increase competition for places. Winger Kinsombi and forward Copado will also add strength in depth. The most impressive of the new additions are midfielder Bittencourt from Werder Bremen and talented Leverkusen loanee Erlein, they are at different stages of their career, but both possess Bundesliga quality. Cottbus have an experienced and passionate boss in Wollitz that should help to get the best out of a tight-knit group, their bold playing style should make them tough opposition, especially at home. Cottbus did concede 51 goals last season, so they will need to improve in this area. The fitness of key players Cigerci and Borgmann are also a concern at the start of the season, which is not ideal.