Claus-Dieter “Pele” Wollitz has led Energie Cottbus back to second place in the 3rd division after last year’s relegation spot. Here’s what happens next.

Energie Cottbus and Claus-Dieter “Pele” Wollitz: It’s a perfect fit. And according to the Lausitzer Rundschau newspaper, it’s set to stay that way in the future. Ahead of the top match against Rot-Weiss Essen (November 23, 7:30 p.m., RS live ticker), President Sebastian Lemke made it official at the general meeting, according to the newspaper. Just like with assistant coach Tobias Röder, head coach Wollitz’s contract has also been “adjusted and extended.” “They are joining us on our journey into the future.”

Wollitz began his coaching career at KFC Uerdingen 05 in 2002. He was particularly successful during his time at VfL Osnabrück, where he secured promotion to the 2nd Bundesliga in 2007.

As coach of FC Energie Cottbus, he repeated this success, leading the team to the DFB Cup semi-finals and establishing himself as an experienced head coach. Further stops included Viktoria Cologne, 1. FC Magdeburg, and again Energie Cottbus, where he achieved promotion to the 3. Liga in 2023/24.

On Saturday afternoon, November 15, Wollitz celebrated his first victory with his new contract in his pocket. Regional league team SV Babelsberg demanded a lot from FC Energie Cottbus in the Brandenburg State Cup. In the end, however, Cottbus won 4-2. This means that the Lusatians are through to the semi-finals of the Brandenburg State Cup.

This gives Energie a boost of confidence after two consecutive third division defeats. Most recently, they suffered a 0-1 defeat against VfL Osnabrück. After the game, Wollitz was asked why he had left his best striker, Tolcay Cigerci, on the bench. He replied curtly: “This is FC Energie Cottbus playing, not FC Cigerci. We should start to recognize that.”

Energie Cottbus will therefore face Rot-Weiss Essen in a rather stressful situation. And there was really no time to rest during the international break. Before the RWE game, SV Babelsberg had already demanded a lot from Energie.