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Leagues 20 August 2026

Baum plays Cottbus fan songs: FC Augsburg sharpens

FC Augsburg will face Energie Cottbus in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. Trainer Manuel Baum used Cottbus fan songs during training to arm his team for the cup battle and to prevent any form of underestimation.

Baum plays Cottbus fan songs: FC Augsburg sharpens

According to Newsfeed.

Background

FC Augsburg coach Manuel Baum applies unconventional methods to prepare his team for the DFB-Pokal match against Energie Cottbus. By integrating Cottbus' fan songs into training, he hopes to arm his players against the challenges of knockout football.

Why this matters

The DFB-Pokal is a prestigious tournament where surprises often occur, especially for higher ranked teams. FC Augsburg must be vigilant against Energie Cottbus, who enters the battle with self-confidence as a PhD student. The use of Cottbus fan songs during training emphasizes the need to be prepared for an intense and hostile atmosphere.

Key points

  • Baum plays Cottbus fan songs: FC Augsburg sharpens.
  • FC Augsburg will face Energie Cottbus in the first round of the DFB-Pokal.
  • Baum plays Cottbus-Fangesänge ab: "Players are first important".

FC Augsburg is on the eve of the first round of the DFB-Pokal and will meet PhD student Energie Cottbus. Trainer Manuel Baum does not want to take any risks towards the opening match in the German Cup and opted for a striking preparation this week. On the training field, fan songs from Cottbus sounded over the speakers, intended to get his selection used to a hostile cup atmosphere and to sharpen concentration. According to Baum, there was initial laughter, but the message was clear: this is not a time for underestimation.

The DFB-Pokal is known for its pitfalls for higher ranked teams. In a tournament with knockout matches, often in a swirling atmosphere, one moment of relaxation can be fatal. By simulating Cottbus's fanatical encouragement during training, Augsburg wants to be mentally resilient as soon as the whistle blows. It's about sharpness in duels, purity in passing under pressure and keeping agreements when noise makes communication difficult.

Baum thus emphasizes the importance of details. In cup matches, set pieces and transition moments can be decisive, especially against an opponent who can rely on adrenaline and public support. By artificially increasing the intensity, Augsburg practices situations where time and space are scarce. The first smile at training quickly gave way to focus: players had to coach loud and clear, find each other with one or two ball contacts and continue to act according to plan.

As a PhD candidate, Energie Cottbus travels to the cup match with confidence and a tradition of loud support. For teams from lower divisions, the first round is the stage to surprise. With a compact organization, fighting spirit and the audience as the twelfth man, the underdog can make it quite difficult for the favorite. Augsburg realizes that a quick lead, careful positional play and control over the pace are crucial to avoid a cup scare.

For Augsburg, this match is also an indicator in the early season: how fast is the organization, how complete is the fitness and how effective is the pressing against an opponent who may like to look for depth? The unconventional training stimulus musthelp with that. While the fan chants initially led to laughter, the approach mainly underlines the serious intention of the trainer and his group of players: professional, prepared and with respect for the opponent to reach the next round.

The tone has been set in Augsburg: no underestimation, but maximum preparation. If cup history teaches us anything, it is that favorites only survive with discipline and concentration. With the Cottbus sounds still fresh in his mind, Baum wants to prepare his team for ninety minutes - or longer - in which every duel and every second ball counts.

What's happening now

FC Augsburg will have to focus on a strong start in the DFB-Pokal, showing their tactical sharpness and mental toughness. The match against Energie Cottbus offers an opportunity to put Baum's lessons into practice. Success in this round could pave the way for a deeper run in the tournament, which could be crucial for the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What has FC Augsburg done to prepare for the DFB-Pokal match?

FC Augsburg played fan songs from Energie Cottbus during training to get the players used to a hostile atmosphere.

Who confirmed this preparation?

Trainer Manuel Baum has confirmed the preparation and emphasizes that it is important not to take risks.

Why did Augsburg choose this preparation?

Augsburg wants to be mentally resilient and keep its players sharp for the DFB Pokal match, because the tournament is known for its pitfalls for higher ranked teams.

What changes have been made to Augsburg's training?

The training has been adapted by simulating a busy and noisy environment, requiring players to coach and act quickly under pressure.

What is the importance of details according to Baum?

According to Baum, details are crucial in cup matches, because set pieces and transition moments can be decisive.

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