Schmidt warns Heidenheim of Leipzig's offense
1. FC Heidenheim are expecting a tough defensive battle in their Bundesliga match at RB Leipzig. "It's going to be an incredible amount of work for us there," said coach Frank Schmidt ahead of the match between FCH, who are still winless away from home, on Saturday (3.30pm/Sky). "It will be a game where we will be challenged defensively." His team will have to "defend with a lot of skill".
Schmidt warned his team about Leipzig's offense around the strong Lois Openda, who scored both RB goals in the 3-2 defeat at defending champions Manchester City in the Champions League. In Leipzig, "two worlds" would also collide: on the one hand, the Swabian promoted team and 13th in the table, and on the other, the premier class participant with a much higher budget.
Coach Marco Rose's team will play with intensive pressing and counter-pressing. "We won't have much time, we'll also be under a bit of stress," said Schmidt. Nevertheless, his team need an idea for their own offense in order to at least achieve a draw. Heidenheim have only picked up one point in six away games so far - albeit at runners-up Borussia Dortmund. Schmidt also pointed out that the opponents were almost exclusively clubs from the top half of the table.
The 49-year-old will have to do without Eren Dinkci, who picked up his fifth yellow card in the 0-0 draw against VfL Bochum. The coach has left it open as to who will replace the winger. The hosts will probably be without Xavi Simons. The talented attacking player suffered a shoulder injury in Manchester.
- Despite being winless away from home in the Bundesliga, 1st FC Heidenheim will face a formidable offensive challenge against RB Leipzig, as coach Frank Schmidt acknowledged, referring to Leipzig's strong striker Lois Openda who scored twice against Manchester City.
- 1st FC Heidenheim's coach Frank Schmidt acknowledged that their Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig will see a clash of styles, as the Swabian promoted team collides with a premier class participant like Leipzig, boasting a much higher budget and employing intensive pressing and counter-pressing tactics.
Source: www.dpa.com
