1. FC Heidenheim: Fighting Spirit Amidst Bundesliga Struggles
Key Takeaways:
- Heidenheim’s motto remains "Schaffa, schaffa, drenna bleiba" (Work, work, stay in), reflecting their pragmatic approach to Bundesliga survival.
- Despite a challenging start to the season, the team maintains a realistic perspective, focusing on accumulating points through hard work and determination.
- Injuries have plagued the team, but the return of key offensive players provides Coach Frank Schmidt with more tactical flexibility.
- While defensive solidity remains a concern, the team’s fighting spirit and willingness to compete provide a foundation for improvement.
- Upcoming match against Leverkusen presents an opportunity to break negative streaks and build momentum.
The 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 finds itself in a familiar position as they navigate their third Bundesliga season, adopting the motto "Schaffa, schaffa, drenna bleiba" – a testament to their work ethic and determination to remain in the top flight. After securing a dramatic, last-minute relegation escape last season, the club understands the challenges that lie ahead. Coach Frank Schmidt’s side is aware that they will be among the relegation candidates, despite not having to contend with European competition this year. Captain Patrick Mainka’s rallying cry of a "sensational survival" encapsulates the team’s grounded self-awareness. After nine matchdays, Heidenheim sits at the bottom of the table with just one win, highlighting the uphill battle they face.
Heidenheim’s sole victory came in a 2-1 home game against FC Augsburg. They have also secured two draws at home, a 2-2 against Werder Bremen and a recent 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt. The draw against Frankfurt marked the first time in six attempts that Heidenheim avoided defeat against the Eagles. Budu Zivzivadse put the hosts ahead, assisted by Arijon Ibrahimovic, before Rasmus Kristensen equalized for Frankfurt shortly after halftime. Schmidt lamented a late offside call that denied Marvin Pieringer a potential winning goal, which would have lifted Heidenheim out of the relegation zone. He stressed the importance of keeping the gap between themselves and the other teams in the lower half of the table manageable, as it keeps all possibilities open.
The close proximity of teams in the lower half of the table is a situation that Heidenheim can navigate well. Schmidt emphasizes the importance of maintaining tension and excitement throughout the season, stating, "If it doesn’t get exciting for us this season, we’re relegated." Their strategy is to diligently collect points, emulating the industriousness of a squirrel. While their home form has provided some respite, the team aims to improve their away record after suffering four consecutive defeats on the road. Their upcoming match against Leverkusen presents a daunting challenge, given their historical record of four losses in four encounters. Nonetheless, Heidenheim will undoubtedly strive to end these negative streaks.
Schmidt will be without several players for the Leverkusen match, including long-term absentees Leart Pacarada, Frank Feller, and Sirlord Conteh, as well as striker Mikkel Kaufmann. Pacarada suffered a cruciate ligament tear, while Feller is nursing a torn ligament and Conteh is out with a meniscus injury. Kaufmann is sidelined with adductor problems. On a more positive note, the team has seen improvements in personnel, particularly in the offensive department. Marvin Pieringer has returned from a lengthy injury layoff, and both Mathias Honsak and Budu Zivzivadse are available again. Schmidt is pleased with the increased options, noting the added physicality, presence, and experience that these players bring to the squad. He says that this is making the team selection process more complicated for him.
In defense, Schmidt relies on goalkeeper Diant Ramaj and the experienced center-back trio of Patrick Mainka, Tim Siersleben, and Benedikt Gimber. Jonas Föhrenbach and Marnon Busch could start as fullbacks, as they did against Frankfurt, with Omar Traoré providing an alternative option. Julian Niehues and Jan Schöppner have been solid in central midfield. Arijon Ibrahimovic, on loan from FC Bayern Munich, has quickly established himself as a regular starter on the wings. In attack, Schmidt is likely to deploy Budu Zivzivadse and Stefan Schimmer, with Schimmer, affectionately known as "Bomber" for his knack for scoring important goals, being a key player.
Heidenheim’s primary concern lies in their defense, having conceded at least one goal in every of their eleven games this season. While they have avoided heavy defeats, many of their matches have been closely contested, such as the recent 0-1 DFB-Pokal loss against Hamburger SV. The team’s attacking output also needs improvement, having scored just eight goals in the league so far, making them the third-lowest scoring team. Trainer Schmidt sees room for improvement in their set-piece delivery as he believes that is a way the can bring certain games in their direction.
Despite their challenges, Heidenheim’s strengths were evident in the first half against Eintracht Frankfurt: high work rate, strong physical presence, and numerous won tackles. Schmidt had demanded more courage and determination from his team, and they responded by taking the initiative, presenting themselves as a united front, and pressuring Frankfurt on the flanks. Heidenheim utilized long balls behind the defensive line and took a deserved lead after a well-executed attack. The defense remained compact and limited Frankfurt’s opportunities. Following the draw against Frankfurt, Schmidt expressed confidence, stating that "With the attitude and the way we play football, I believe we can get something out of the games."