Heidenheim manager Frank Schmidt is demanding maximum presence and a robust defence ahead of Friday's home match against 1. FC Kaiserslautern (18:30). The third-placed side in the 2. Bundesliga hosts a close rival, with squad availability following the international break a key topic.
Alessandro Vogt has returned in time from national team duty and is available. The situation regarding Marcel Costly, however, remains unclear, with a decision on his involvement to be made late. Sirlord Conteh, who has a training deficit, and Maximilian Breunig, due to a muscle fibre tear, will definitely miss out. Three players, including striker Budu Zivzivadze, were on international duty and returned with varying levels of fatigue. During the break, the team played friendlies against VfB Stuttgart and Würzburger Kickers.
Schmidt's tactical message
"Aggressiveness and duel behaviour after losing possession" are the keys to success against Kaiserslautern, according to Frank Schmidt. The Heidenheim boss warned of Lautern's pace in defence and their dangerous quick transitions. "He wants them, we want them," Schmidt said regarding the three points. He considers the opponent one of the best teams in the league, capable of finishing at the top come season's end. Training has therefore focused heavily on behaviour after losing the ball and their own attacking runs. In their last five matches, Heidenheim has already played 56 minutes in the lead following decisive ball-winning phases, a statistic they will aim to build on against the defensively strong visitors.
Historic duel for the managers
The match gains a personal dimension from the shared history of the two managers. Frank Schmidt and his Kaiserslautern counterpart Torsten Lieberknecht played together for the Germany U15 national team and at the U20 World Cup in Australia. On the pitch, two in-form teams meet: Heidenheim took ten points from a possible twelve before the break and sit third with 13 points. Their recent form over the last five games shows three wins, one draw and one defeat (WLDWW). Kaiserslautern are close behind in fifth and have conceded only four goals so far. The next fixture after this important home match sees Heidenheim travel to 1. FC Nürnberg on October 5th.
The match on Friday evening at the Voith-Arena will be broadcast live on the Sportschau live centre. For Heidenheim, it's a chance to continue their strong home record of ten goals in their last three home games and stays in the promotion race.
Read the full report at wochenblatt-reporter.de
