Heidenheim Stands Firm with Coach Frank Schmidt Amid Bundesliga Relegation Battle

1. FC Heidenheim's challenges in the Bundesliga have intensified as the club sits at the bottom of the table with just 13 points this season. Despite the heightened risk of relegation, the club has publicly confirmed its commitment to retaining head coach Frank Schmidt, even if demotion to the 2. Bundesliga occurs.

Chairman Holger Sanwald emphasized the club's loyalty, stating, "Of course, if he wants to," regarding Schmidt's continuation, and highlighting the coach’s contract that runs until June 30, 2027. Schmidt has been at the helm since September 2007, making him the longest-serving coach in German professional football. Under his leadership, Heidenheim progressed impressively from the fourth division to the Bundesliga and even the Conference League.

Despite these achievements, this Bundesliga season has been difficult; Heidenheim has lost 15 matches and is six points away from securing a relegation playoff spot. Notably, no Bundesliga team has managed to avoid relegation with such a low point total since the introduction of the three-point rule. After a recent 0-1 defeat against FC Augsburg, Schmidt remained hopeful, commenting, "Hope dies last."

Looking ahead, Heidenheim faces a tough fixture against VfB Stuttgart, a club that has competed in the Europa League. Chairman Sanwald took care to point out that the team's poor results this season are not a reflection on Schmidt's coaching abilities but rather the challenging nature of the competition.

As Heidenheim battles to preserve their Bundesliga status, the club's unwavering support for Schmidt sends a message of stability and loyalty amid turbulent times for one of German football’s most enduring coaching figures.