Overview

• Rot-Weiss Essen fell 6–1 at Waldhof Mannheim on Saturday, a result portrayed locally as a nadir in a season of mounting pressure.
• Coach Uwe Koschinat sharply criticized the officiating and said he was shocked by incidents that he felt influenced the match.
• A yellow card to defender Michael Kostka followed what WAZ described as a brazen dive by Mannheim’s Sascha Voelcke, an episode central to RWE’s complaints.
• An NRZ commentary argued the defeat cannot be chalked up to bad luck and said the sporting leadership presents an unfortunate picture.
• NRZ also reported concern over sport director Steegmann’s remarks about new striker Jannik Mause, noting the signing has not yet proven a meaningful boost.