DFB Cup preparation with acoustic trick: Augsburg practices against Cottbus fan chants

Background to the unusual measure

The background to the exercise is the fact that matches in smaller arenas are often accompanied by an intense and sometimes well-rehearsed fan culture. At FC Energie Cottbus, who play at the Stadion der Freundschaft, the atmosphere in the stands is traditionally a defining factor. With the simulation, the coaching staff wanted to prevent the Augsburg professionals from being surprised by this atmosphere.

The Augsburg squad for the first round of the cup also includes younger players who have so far gained little experience with away matches in the lower leagues. For them, the acoustic atmosphere test is an opportunity to get used to the volume and rhythmic chants of the home end before they meet in a real competitive match.

Coach Baum stressed that his aim was not to imitate the opposing atmosphere, but to sharpen the team's attention. A changed soundscape ensures that players adjust their perception, communicate more quickly, and tune in more closely with one another, he said.

Squad and personnel

For the encounter, FC Augsburg is considered the clear favorite, as the team plays in the Bundesliga and has a significantly higher market value. Cup competitions are traditionally given great importance in German professional football, which is why even a duel against a third-division side is approached with full concentration.

The unusual preparation method fits into a series of creative training approaches that Bundesliga coaches have used in recent years to try to give their teams small psychological advantages. These include the use of unfamiliar pieces of music, the deliberate alteration of lighting conditions, or practicing under artificial noise.

Energie Cottbus, for their part, take to the field in the first round of the cup with the confidence of a club that has recently been aiming to climb back into professional football. Coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz had emphasized before the match that his team wanted to upset the favorites from Augsburg and was relying in particular on the support of their own fans. The home record at the Stadion der Freundschaft has been positive over several matches.

Stadium and match framework

At FC Augsburg, Lucas Copado, who comes from the club's own youth setup, is expected to be one of the players who will provide impulses in attack. The mix of experienced Bundesliga professionals and younger players is considered one of the reasons why the coaching staff places great value on mental preparation.

The match takes place at the Stadion der Freundschaft in Cottbus, where capacity is around 22,000 spectators. In recent years, the atmosphere there has developed into a hallmark of the club. Cottbus supporters are known for their organized chants and uninterrupted support over ninety minutes.

Looking ahead to the match, Baum explained that his team understood the acoustic simulation as an additional tool and not as the sole key to success. The decisive factor would be implementing the tactical instructions on the pitch and delivering their own performance. The coach sees the unusual measure as a signal to the players that every detail in preparation counts.

The encounter between Energie Cottbus and FC Augsburg is part of the first main round of the DFB Cup and will be played in the evening. According to the club, kickoff is at 8:45 p.m., and the match will be broadcast live on free-to-air television.