1. FC Heidenheim have turned their season around with three consecutive league wins, moving up to third place in the 2. Bundesliga with twelve points. Head coach Frank Schmidt feels the momentum is now with his side ahead of Sunday's away match against 14th-placed Arminia Bielefeld.
"A few weeks ago the momentum wasn't on our side. Nevertheless, we went on to win the games after that," Schmidt said. The run started with a 1-0 win at Fürth and was followed by another 1-0 victory at home to Holstein Kiel. This marks a clear improvement after the team conceded 15 goals in their first four competitive matches of the season.
Defence stabilises
A key role has been played by goalkeeper Thomas Dähne, who was signed in the summer as backup for Frank Feller from 1860 München and has proven reliable in recent games. In front of him, the defence led by captain Patrick Mainka has solidified. The recent form over the last five matches reads two wins, one draw and two defeats (LWDWL).
The team will be without new signing Marcel Costly on Sunday. The former Ingolstadt player is out with a muscle injury. Meanwhile, former loanee Hennes Behrens has been called up to the Germany national team by Jürgen Klopp. The 21-year-old, who played for Heidenheim in the Bundesliga last season, moved to FC Augsburg in the summer.
Alm challenge
Schmidt is aware the task in Bielefeld will not be easy. "It's never easy at the 'Alm'. We know we'll face an opponent who absolutely wants to get three points," the coach said. Heidenheim aim to continue their positive run and keep pressure on the direct promotion places. Sitting three points behind leaders Hertha BSC, the target is within reach.
Detailed team statistics are also available. Planning for the match after Bielefeld is already underway to capitalise on the good form.
