FC Heidenheim continues to struggle as they face mounting challenges during the 2023-2024 Bundesliga season. Following their recent performances, including several disheartening losses and injuries to key players, the club finds itself battling to avoid relegation.
Following their 1-1 draw against St. Gallen in the UEFA Europa Conference League, coach Frank Schmidt expressed his frustration at missing what he deemed a "missed opportunity" to regain confidence. He stated, "It could have eased the tension a little bit. Unfortunately, we gave it away. I am not satisfied; you must win a game like this." This sentiment reflects the growing tension within the team as they have not achieved victory since late September, losing eight of their subsequent nine Bundesliga matches.
Currently sitting 16th place in the Bundesliga with only 10 points, Heidenheim is also missing key players, including Lennard Maloney, who has been left out due to distractions linked to his contract situation. Schmidt noted, "I decided not to include him... because he's not in a condition to fully concentrate on the sporting tasks at the moment." While Maloney is fit and has resumed training, his future with the club remains uncertain as he is out of contract at the season's end, with speculation swirling around potential moves away from Heidenheim.
The upcoming match against VfL Bochum on Sunday holds significant importance for both teams, as Bochum occupies the last spot on the league table. After their recent clash with Bayern Munich, where Heidenheim conceded four goals, the team hopes to capitalize on Bochum's winless streak, which now extends over 16 league matches.
Schmidt must approach this relegation six-pointer judiciously, especially after Heidenheim's disappointing midweek loss to Istanbul Basaksehir, which was exacerbated by conceding two early goals. He emphasized the need for his squad to be composed and mentally prepared to counter Bochum's pressure, stating, "We can only rely on players who are 100% ready." This attention to readiness indicates the importance Schmidt places on mental fortitude, particularly as they’ve only managed to keep one clean sheet this season.
Despite their struggles, there is some silver lining. The draw against St. Gallen marked the end of seven consecutive defeats, giving the team something to build upon as they strategize for the battle against Bochum. Schmidt revealed the difficulties faced during the training sessions: "We have to assume Bochum will try to put us under massive pressure. And we have to resist. I've been observing the players closely during training to assess their readiness for the match."
Eager for improvement, Heidenheim will also be focusing on strengthening their defensive line, which has been porous throughout the season, conceding 25 goals during the eight-match losing streak. Schmidt’s tactical adjustments may be the key to tightening their defense, which has seen them struggle to contain opposing teams.
Bochum, meanwhile, is desperate for points and recently earned their first point after drawing 1-1 with Union Berlin. Although they were down to 10 men early on, the performance showcased some resilience, spurred on by their new manager Dieter Hecking. With the club's recent history showing only two victories across their last 26 matches, they too are seeking to capitalize on the struggles of their opponents.
Heidenheim's upcoming fixture provides them with a chance to break free from their relegation playoff spot. Schmidt's expressed confidence, stating, "It's about mental resilience and learning to capitalize when errors occur at the back. We need to change the course of our season starting Sunday. We cannot afford to drop any more points against teams we can compete with."
