Augsburg's Baum wary of "real quality" Cottbus possess ahead of Pokal clash

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·20 August 2026

Ahead of their season opener on Saturday, FC Augsburg coach Manuel Baum has employed an unusual measure in team training.

The atmosphere in the Energie Cottbus stadium was simulated in today's session to prepare for the pressure of the DFB-Pokal clash.

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Baum views the first-round cup fixture against the team of coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz as a tricky but equally welcome test.

"It's already a challenge that in our first match [of the new season] we have someone who meets us on equal terms.

"That will certainly help us in the league to already have a tough nut to crack like Cottbus now," he said, before giving a warning.

Baum underlined that the second division side has “real quality already" and knows "how seriously you have to take these games.”