1. FC Heidenheim could be relegated from the Bundesliga this weekend. Coach Frank Schmidt indicates his departure – but only for 2027.
Veteran coach Frank Schmidt has considered saying goodbye to relegation-threatened Bundesliga club 1. FC Heidenheim after his contract ends in 2027. “I will soon be in my 20th season in a row at FCH, which will probably be my last year as a coach in Heidenheim,” said the 52-year-old to the “Hamburger Abendblatt”.
Frank Schmidt would go to the 2nd Bundesliga
However, an early farewell after 19 years this summer is neither an option for Schmidt nor for the club’s management – despite the threat of relegation to the 2nd Bundesliga. “Of course I also thought about quitting. If the sporting results are lacking, it would be strange not to question yourself,” said Schmidt, who has coached FCH since 2007 and led them from the fourth division to the Bundesliga.
“But if the support is there, I’m not one to run away. Neither in the event of success – which I could have done to take the next step – nor in the current situation,” said Schmidt.
Frank Schmidt: With drive into the last year of the contract
“I have the drive to do something good next season in my 20th and final year of contract – whatever that may be.” Before the 31st matchday, bottom team Heidenheim is seven points behind FC St. Pauli in relegation place 16. A defeat in the direct duel on Saturday (3:30 p.m., live in the audio stream on swr.de/sport) would mean early relegation. “If I don’t tolerate something, it’s an end in itself. I’m very tough and consistent with myself and the team. We don’t give up,” said Schmidt.
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