Michelbrink über Saisonendspurt mit Cottbus und Einladung von Litauens A-Nationalteam
https://www.transfermarkt.de/michelbrin ... ews/476741
Transfermarkt: You've been in Cottbus since the summer of 2025 and fully identify with the club. What would a potential promotion mean for the club, but also for the fans and the surrounding community?
Michelbrink: I was very pleasantly surprised by pretty much everything when I arrived in the summer. I received a fantastic welcome from the club and the fans, and I was well supported during my injury at the beginning of the season. After my return, the coach showed a lot of confidence in me, which gave me a real boost. Promotion would be a huge success for the club, the fans, and the entire region, and it would have a profound impact.
Transfermarkt: There's something special in store for the Michelbrink family. While Fortuna Köln 's promotion to the 3rd division is getting closer and closer with your brother Jonas , you're also playing at the top with Cottbus. It would be a long-awaited goal, especially for Fortuna. How are things going for him in Cologne, and are you taking that as extra motivation for the final stretch?
Michelbrink: The Michelbrink family's summer could be a very special one if they both achieve promotion. Fortuna Düsseldorf is on a really good run, and I'm confident they'll make it to the next level. I'd be incredibly happy for my brother, especially since he already got promoted with Duisburg last season , and to do the same again with Fortuna would be amazing. We push each other and are, of course, highly motivated for the crucial final stretch of the season.
Transfermarkt: Your future is uncertain. As of today, you're returning to Hertha BSC. How would you generally rate your performance so far in Cottbus?
Michelbrink: As things stand, I'm very happy with this loan. I was able to quickly integrate into the team and have gotten used to the football of the 3rd division. It's my first full year in a men's team. I hope to continue playing an important role in the promotion race as we approach the end of the season. Promotion would be the perfect culmination of this season.
Transfermarkt: Have Energie Cottbus given any indications that they could envision you staying for another season? Hertha Berlin loaned you to Cottbus for a season, where you have a contract until 2027. Has there been any contact with Berlin or talks with FC Energie Cottbus in recent weeks?
Michelbrink: Energie Cottbus informed me relatively early on how satisfied they were with how the loan was going and my development. They can very well imagine me playing for another season. Of course, many different factors ultimately play a role in whether that actually happens. I'm in contact with Hertha Berlin, and they're also keeping a close eye on me. Talks have picked up speed in recent weeks, and we're looking together at what makes the most sense for 2026/27 and beyond.
Transfermarkt: The name Michelbrink doesn't necessarily suggest that you play for the Lithuanian U21 national team . How did that come about?
Michelbrink: My mother is Lithuanian, and I hold both passports. When I was approached by Reinhold Breu , then Technical Director of the Lithuanian national team, while playing for the U17s , I was immediately open to the adventure. Unfortunately, my Lithuanian is a bit rusty; we mainly spoke German in our family, so I only know the basics. But I plan to brush up on my Lithuanian.
Transfermarkt: Between your appearances for the U19 and U21 teams there, you even played once for the German U18 team. How did that come about?
Michelbrink: After good performances at my club, I received an invitation from the DFB (German Football Association). For me, that was a great honor, and I was eager to compete against the best there as well. For the Lithuanian federation, that wasn't a problem. Ultimately, though, I have to honestly say that my position was already filled with many excellent players, and I saw a better future for myself in Lithuania.