Rot-Weiss Essen will play on the road against 1. FC Saarbrücken on Saturday. Ahead of the match, Uwe Koschinat answered questions.

1,400 Rot-Weiss Essen fans have secured tickets for the away game—November 29, 2:00 p.m., Forecasting live ticker—against 1. FC Saarbrücken. Some Essen fans will certainly still be buying tickets at the box office on site to support Uwe Koschinat’s team.

RWE set off for the Saarland around 2 p.m. on Friday afternoon. Not on the team bus were Nils Kaiser (ill), Jannik Hofmann, and Jaka Cuber Potocnik (both injured).

Due to these three absences, RWE’s 20-man matchday roster practically selects itself. This means that all other squad members will be part of the team. The exception: Malte Brüning, the number three goalkeeper.

The Essen squad is well-staffed. And, in fact, deep enough. Nevertheless, Marc-Nicolai Pfeifer made a statement this week that caught people’s attention. The gist: RWE wants to go on the offensive! Reinforcements are expected in the winter. Forecasting reported.

Pfeifer: “There are certain positions where we’re not yet fully tapping into the squad’s potential. We’re convinced that we have a strong team and that the players have shown good development so far. Nevertheless, there are two or three positions where we haven’t yet reached our full potential. That’s why we’re actively monitoring the market. The funds are available. December and January will be very busy months.”

On the other hand, a club like Rot-Weiss Essen must have a vision. This club wants to move forward. Marcus Steegmann, Christian Flüthmann, and Marc-Nicolai Pfeifer are the key figures here when it comes to future plans. I’m focusing on achieving maximum success in the last four games of the year.

Uwe Koschinat

No sooner said than done: Forecasting knows that Marcus Steegmann, Director of Professional Soccer, has long since picked up the phone. According to our information, he has been calling several second-division clubs regarding loan deals. And: the database is also being scoured for potential reinforcements for Rot-Weiss Essen.

Coach Koschinat is pleased that RWE is considering reinforcements this winter: “In the current situation, I’m only focusing on players who are currently under contract.”

The 54-year-old coach, whose Bergeborbeck-based team is just three points behind first place, also emphasized: “On the other hand, a club like Rot-Weiss Essen must have a vision. This club wants to move forward. Marcus Steegmann, Christian Flüthmann, and Marc-Nicolai Pfeifer are the people to talk to here when it comes to future plans. I’m focusing on achieving maximum success in the last four games of the year.”

Koschinat does not believe that Essen’s planned winter transfer push could cause unrest within the team. He emphasized: “Not in the least! Because it’s not an issue within the squad. Over the next few weeks, we can provide the best evidence that we can have a strong 2026 season. We’re focused on the here and now.”