Energie Cottbus signs goalkeeper Marius Funk: New hope after injury!

Energie Cottbus signs goalkeeper Marius Funk: New hope after injury!

The football world in Brandenburg has a new goalkeeping star: Marius Funk, who knows him from his time at FC Ingolstadt, is moving to Energie Cottbus for a free transfer. The 29-year-old signed a one-year contract and is expected to fill the short-term gap caused by Elias Bethke's injury. The 22-year-old Bethke is currently battling a torn muscle tendon that will likely keep him out of action until the new year.

Funk comes to Cottbus as an experienced player. Before his injury, Bethke was the undisputed number 1 in goal, and Alexander Sebald, who is available as the first substitute, has also shared times with Funk in the past. "I'm happy about the signing of Marius. He brings the necessary experience and quality that we need now," said coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz confidently about the new addition. The change was also possible after the official end of the transfer period, which was an advantage for Cottbus as the pre-selection included Jan-Christoph Bartels and Nils Körber, but Funk ultimately prevailed.

From Heidenheim to Cottbus

Marius Funk, a native of Aalen, began his impressive career at 1. FC Heidenheim and went through the VfB Stuttgart youth academy, where he attracted attention both in the junior Bundesliga and in the second team. In the summer of 2016 he moved to SpVgg Greuther Fürth and gained experience there in the Bundesliga and the 2nd Bundesliga. He has a total of eight games in the Bundesliga and five in the 2nd Bundesliga. Funk most recently played 106 competitive games for FC Ingolstadt, 95 of which were in the 3rd league, before his contract was not extended in the summer of 2025.

“I am happy to be part of Energie Cottbus and would like to give the defense stability and calm,”Funk announces his ambitions. He is optimistic that he can be as strong as he was in his previous appearances and thus contribute to the team's success. He has already made 102 appearances in the 3rd league and will certainly help Energie Cottbus achieve its goals.

A look at the statistics

The 3rd league has established itself as a platform for many talents in recent years. The most successful goalscorers and players are closely monitored. The comprehensive statistics Transfer market shows that the league offered players like Funk opportunities to develop brilliantly and continually demonstrate their skills. It includes games, assists and all statistics for players of all positions and helps fans and club representatives to better assess the players' performances.

With this new addition, Energie Cottbus is relying on Marius Funk's experience. The fans can already look forward to an exciting new season in which the experienced goalkeeper wants to demonstrate his skills in order to stabilize the traditional club's defense and support the return of Bethke. The club remains vigilant in order to close any gaps caused by injuries or transfers and to position itself optimally for the challenges ahead.

Further information on these developments is provided Picture as well as rbb24, which shed light on the background and important aspects of this exciting personality.