After the relegation from the Bundesliga, 1. FC Heidenheim does not consider itself among the favorites for an immediate promotion in the 2nd Bundesliga. Long-term coach Frank Schmidt emphasized before the start of the season that the team wants to play a good role but aims are set higher: «Wir wollen eine gute Rolle spielen, aber das ist kein Ziel: Aufstieg», he stated. The home game against the newcomer VfL Osnabrück on Saturday (13.00 Uhr/Sky) will show whether the team can meet these expectations.
Schmidt, however, believes that Heidenheim might still end up in a strong position overall: «Wir sollten aber schon wissen, wo wir herkommen, und nach drei Jahren Bundesliga nicht den dicken Max spielen.» As favorites for promotion, he sees VfL Wolfsburg instead. «Der VfL Wolfsburg ist der Krösus der Liga», said Schmidt. Behind them, the competition will be tight in the table.
The Heidenheimer Style: Work Hard, Be Uncomfortable and Show Mental Strength
Against Osnabrück, a significant part of the starting eleven is expected to consist of players who were already part of the Bundesliga squad. Coach Schmidt expects these players to bring back the «DNA» of Heidenheim: «Arbeiten, unangenehm sein, laufstark, große Mentalität zeigen.»
However, Schmidt believes that the role of FCH has changed compared to previous years in the top division. There, his team was often not favored in matches. Now, however, the competition will say: «Heidenheim is relegated, so they haven't changed much on their squad, now we'll give them the ball.»
