Heidenheim hopes for a strong end to the year
Soccer coach Frank Schmidt has prepared the professionals of 1. FC Heidenheim for an intense pre-Christmas period ahead of the basement duel with VfL Bochum. "The end-of-year spurt begins for us, where we have to score points. Where we have to set the course so that we start the new year in a good position," said Schmidt two days before the Bundesliga home match against the Revierclub on Sunday (3.30 pm/DAZN).
The promoted side, who are strong at home, are in 13th place ahead of the twelfth matchday and have just one point more than VfL with ten points so far. "In games like this, it's also important to score points against your current direct rivals," emphasized Schmidt, whose team can line up at full strength.
Three direct rivals before the turn of the year
In addition to coach Thomas Letsch's team, Heidenheim face two other current rivals in the relegation battle between now and Christmas: fellow promoted side Darmstadt 98 and Mainz 05, as well as games against European Cup participants RB Leipzig and SC Freiburg. In mid-January, the 2024 season kicks off with a home match against 1. FC Köln, another relegation-threatened club.
Schmidt was satisfied with his attacking department after the season so far. However, the same cannot be said for the defense, one of the worst in the league with 26 goals conceded. His team had "not yet managed to defend individually and as a group in such a way as to pick up a point or two more", said the 49-year-old. The defensive performance must therefore improve.
Source: www.dpa.com
