Heidenheim is using the current international break to work on defensive stability. The focus is on shoring up the back line after a difficult start to the season and a 3-0 friendly defeat to VfB Stuttgart.
Despite the clear loss, Frank Schmidt's team showed positive phases in the friendly against the Bundesliga side. The defence proved resilient at times and caused problems for the opponent. The match served primarily as a benchmark and for tactical development.
Nartey returns, Mittelstädt departs
A positive signal was the starting lineup comeback of Nikolas Nartey after weeks out injured. The midfielder was substituted after half an hour as a precaution, with Lauri Penna replacing him for load management. At half-time, Finn Jeltsch and Maximilian Mittelstädt left the match to subsequently join the German national team. Frank Schmidt continues to rely on the established path of development through unity, discipline and continuous work.
The break comes at a good time for Heidenheim, who currently sit third in the 2. Bundesliga with 13 points from six games. The record of four wins, one draw and one defeat shows a solid position, but the twelve goals conceded are a clear area for improvement. After the break, a home match against fifth-placed 1. FC Kaiserslautern awaits on 10 October. Preparation for this fixture and the rest of the season can be followed in detail on our fixtures page, while the current standings document the tight battle at the top.
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Heidenheim is using the international break for another friendly. The club will play a friendly against Würzburger Kickers on October 2nd. Manager Frank Schmidt can rely on a team that has secured three wins, one draw, and one loss in its last five competitive matches. The most recent defeat was the 3-0 friendly loss to VfB Stuttgart on September 25th.
Manager Frank Schmidt analysed the 3-0 friendly defeat to VfB Stuttgart. He emphasised the collective performance. "VfB struggled a lot against our compactness," Schmidt told SWR. He said the defence stood firm for long periods, but their own chances were not taken. The goals for Stuttgart were scored by Atakan Karazor and Lorenz Assignon. The third-placed side with 13 points is now training as normal but was given four days off.
The 3-0 friendly defeat to VfB Stuttgart was completed by an 86th-minute goal from Jeff Chabot, the club confirmed. Previously, only goals from Atakan Karazor and Lorenz Assignon had been reported. According to VfB, national team player Jamie Leweling assisted all three goals. The third-placed side with 13 points is now training normally again but has been given four days off.
