Rot-Weiss Essen are planning the new season. As things stand, Director of Professional Football Marcus Steegmann will not have any major financial resources at his disposal.

Unpleasant news from Saarbrücken has dampened the mood at third-division soccer club Rot-Weiss Essen during the international break. The DFB has canceled the upcoming away match at 1. FC Saarbrücken because the DFB Cup semi-final of the Saarland team three days later against 1. FC Kaiserslautern should apparently not be jeopardized.

As a result, RWE has another match-free weekend, but now has a tough program in April. “I have little to no understanding for the decision, because it must be possible to either play two games within four days at the end of March, beginning of April or to find an alternative stadium,” said Marcus Steegmann, Director of Professional Football at RWE, in response to the cancellation.

The Essen squad planner can’t complain about having too much free time at the moment. Work on the team for the coming season is entering the hot phase. The contracts of several key players are coming to an end. Steegmann does not have much financial leeway. As things stand, the 43-year-old will have the same funds available as in the current season to put together a strong team.

Steegmann emphasized this in an interview with this editorial team. “We are initially planning with this season’s budget, but if we make it to the DFB Cup, the club has informed us that there will also be a budget increase for the first team, and we’ll see how much. “

For classification: According to Steegmann, this puts RWE “in the financial league cluster from ninth to 14th place.” You can read more about finances here in the first part of the big WAZ interview with the RWE squad planner.

Steegmann also commented on individual personnel issues. Following the contract extension with Torben Müsel, the club would also like to see Cedric Harenbrock sign on. Talks are ongoing, says the ex-professional.

The situation is different for winger “Isi” Young and striker Ron Berlinski. Neither player has received an offer. With Young, it is a question of money. “There are also financial considerations. Isi Young’s form has been on the up since the end of the winter break. He is a player who can make the difference with one action and whose qualities fit in well with our system of play. We will hold talks in the near future and see if we can find a match.”

In the case of Berlinski, who has not played more than the role of joker this season, it is mainly about squad places. Leonardo Vonic and Moussa Doumbouya are under contract for the new season, so another Berlinski season at Hafenstrasse is unlikely. However, Steegmann does not want to rule it out. “With Ron Berlinski, it’s an issue that will probably be decided at a very late stage. “