Rot-Weiss Essen will play for the Niederrheinpokal quarter-final spot at Schwarz-Weiß Essen on Tuesday evening (19.30). Christoph Dabrowski announces some changes.
Rot-Weiss Essen is currently in a really good mood. The promoted team has been undefeated for three games in the third division and recently won two away games in Freiburg II (3:0) and Mannheim (2:1).
On Tuesday evening (19:30, RevierSport live ticker), RWE will continue their campaign away from home – at least officially. For Rot-Weiss will be playing ETB in Essen. At the Uhlenkrug, however, it feels like a home game for the Bergeborbeckers. Around 5000 fans are expected, 4000 of whom will certainly be cheering for RWE.
Christoph Dabrowski warns his team about the city duel against the Black and Whites. “We are far from underestimating our opponents. The game has a derby character. We take it seriously and want to make things clear quickly. We also know what is possible in the cup when the favourite doesn’t score for a long time. We are definitely well prepared for ETB.”
The 44-year-old football coach, who still knows the Oberliga club from the summer preparation (2-0 for RWE, editor’s note), expects a rival with a strong fight. “They will defend well, fight and try to go above and beyond. It is a team that is peppered with many former RWE players. They will be particularly hot. But we also want to march and step on the gas,” emphasises Dabrowski.
The goal is clearly formulated. Dabrowski: “The DFB Cup is a fantastic competition and we want to be represented there next year. Winning the Niederrheinpokal is our goal!”
The quarter-final ticket should be solved on Tuesday evening by players like Felix Wienand, who will be in goal, Meiko Sponsel, Andreas Wiegel, Felix Götze, Ron Berlinski, Lawrence Ennali or even Aurel Loubongo. Dabrowski: “They will all play. I can tell you that. The boys are hot and have expectations of themselves. We are absolutely clear about what we want to achieve. The only thing that counts for us is to progress.”
While Götze and Wiegel, who were recently suspended, will be in the cup, Björn Rother (hip problems), Sascha Voelcke and Erolind Krasniqi will be missing. In addition, Michel Niemeyer, Thomas Eisfeld and Cedric Harenbrock are long-term injured. Luca Wollschläger, who had to miss the last game in Mannheim, will be back in the squad on Tuesday.