The surprisingly strong Bundesliga newcomer 1. FC Heidenheim is approaching the start of the new football year with maximum composure.
“We know how explosive the game is,” said coach Frank Schmidt before the game against second-to-last 1. FC Köln on Saturday (3:30 p.m./Sky) and allowed himself a small tip: “We hear from Cologne that Heidenheim will definitely be beaten has to be done, but we’ve heard that before…”
Only eight out of 16 opponents succeeded, FCH, ninth in the table, with 20 points, collected twice as many points as FC or fellow promoted team Darmstadt 98. Is the second half of the season a sure-fire success?
1. FC Heidenheim wants to “continue like this”
“We have made it a point to carry on in exactly the same way,” said Schmidt: “We have to remain persistent, courageous and hungry. And have the humility that things can move quickly in the Bundesliga, even in the other direction.”
The coach did not skimp on praise for his players. “It was impressive how quickly the team got back into it,” he said about the restart after the short winter break. He doesn’t need new professionals: “I have no wishes and I’m happy with my squad.”
In Cologne, Schmidt expects “an extremely hot atmosphere, a team that will give everything and receive an incredible amount of support from outside – but that’s exactly what makes it special.” He has to do without Christian Kühlwetter (gastrointestinal).