Cottbus hero in the DFB Cup had a sad week

“Must come down first”

The Cottbus cup hero has had a sad week

In the surprising cup victory by Energie Cottbus, goalkeeper Alexander Sebald became a hero. His performance has a sad background.

When Alexander Sebald started his day, the Cottbus replacement goalkeeper did not yet know that he would become a decisive figure when he was rounded off by his club. When warming up for the game against the favorite second division club Hannover 96, energy stammer goalkeeper Elias Bethke injured. Suddenly Sebald had to go into the goal – and delivered a strong performance.

Numerous parades and even a held penalty were crucial for the 1-0 victory of the Cottbuser. Accordingly, Sebald was also voted “Man of the Match”. “It was a cold start, as the saying goes,” said Sebald about unexpected use.

Then the goalkeeper came up with a stroke of fate: “Then everything comes together today, after the hard week for me personally with a death in the family.” Sebald did not reveal exactly which family member died. Instead, he was happy about his performance: “That’s why I’m all the more pleased that I was able to help the team with such a performance today.”

For Cottbus it was the first move into the second round of the DFB Cup in eight years. “I hope that from this day today, which is absolutely special for the whole region, we can take strength for the next games in the 3rd league, because this is a hard league and the full focus goes,” said Sebald about the special success.

Stammtorwart Elias Behtke was happy with his substitute after the game. “Eli and I, that’s a special connection. I would almost say that we are like brothers,” said Sebald about the relationship between the two. “He just said that I deserved it.” In general, the goalkeeper team at Cottbus is “simply unique in German football,” he said.

Party mood did not really want to arise with him yet: “I have to come down first and then that comes with certainty.”