Heidenheim Coach Schmidt Demands Performance Leap After Europa League Exit
After their elimination from the Europa Conference League, 1. FC Heidenheim coach Frank Schmidt has vehemently called for a significant improvement in performance from his team in the Bundesliga relegation battle.
"It’s a matter of finally bringing a consistently better performance in every Bundesiiga match, regardless of the opponent," Schmidt stated. "We have to improve. We can’t assume a performance will somehow be enough."
Heidenheim’s 1-3 loss to FC Copenhagen in extra time meant an exit in the knockout round and a missed opportunity to reach the round of 16. Whether the end of their double burden will be beneficial for their fight against relegation is yet to be seen, Schmidt said.
"Just because we’re eliminated and because we’re playing at home against Bochum and Kiel, for example, doesn’t mean we’ll win those games."
A point on Sunday (15:30 CEST) in the challenging away game against Champions League contender RB Leipzig would be a major upset. "We have to find energy somewhere," the coach pondered. "We have to do everything we can to stay upright and go out on the pitch without wanting to bury ourselves."
Heidenheim is currently level on points with 17th-placed VfL Bochum in the relegation playoff zone. If they had progressed in Europe, Heidenheim would have played internationally on Thursdays in March before crucial matches in Hoffenheim and against last-placed Kiel.
Nevertheless, Heidenheim had ambitions of surprising everyone in their Europa Conference League debut. Schmidt was understandably disappointed with the outcome.
"I can’t do a Europa League summary right now," the 51-year-old said. "We just got our teeth kicked in. We had a very bitter elimination here. I can’t think about the last few weeks and months. It just hurts too much at the moment."
Schmidt’s Analysis of Europa League Exit
Schmidt identified several areas where Heidenheim fell short against FC Copenhagen:
- Lack of intensity: "We didn’t have the necessary intensity from the start. We were a step behind and lacked the conviction to win the challenges."
- Defensive lapses: "We made too many mistakes in defense. We didn’t defend as a unit and gave Copenhagen too much space."
- Attacking deficiencies: "In the attack, we didn’t create enough chances. We were too predictable and didn’t have the quality to break through Copenhagen’s defense."
Schmidt’s Expectations for Bundesliga
With their Europa League campaign over, Heidenheim can now fully focus on their Bundesliga survival. Schmidt has set clear expectations for his team:
- Improved consistency: "We need to play at a higher level for 90 minutes. We can’t afford to have lapses in concentration or effort."
- Mental fortitude: "We need to show more mental strength. We can’t give up after conceding a goal or when things don’t go our way."
- Attacking threat: "We need to be more dangerous in the attack. We have to create more chances and be more clinical in front of goal."
Key Matches Ahead
Heidenheim’s remaining Bundesliga fixtures include several crucial matches:
- Sunday, February 26: Away to RB Leipzig
- Saturday, March 4: Home to VfL Bochum
- Sunday, March 12: Away to Hoffenheim
- Saturday, March 18: Home to Holstein Kiel
Schmidt knows that every point counts and is urging his players to rise to the occasion. "We need to find a way to get results," he said. "It won’t be easy, but we have to believe in ourselves and give it our all."
