Coach Schmidt: “Of Course It’s Not The Case That Everything Is Easy Here In Heidenheim”

Heidenheimer in an interview, part 1

Frank Schmidt enjoys legendary status at 1. FC Heidenheim. The 50-year-old has been through everything at the Brenz, led the club into the Bundesliga for the first time in 2023 and is even experiencing its premiere on the international stage this season. Nothing more is possible – or is it? Next weekend, champions Bayer 04 Leverkusen (Saturday, 3:30 p.m.) are the next opponents. In the first part of the Transfermarkt interview, FCH long-running favorite Schmidt talks about his attitude to celebrating, the peak of the maximum possible, the challenging losses of Tim Kleindienst and Jan-Niklas Beste, the maturity of Paul Wanner and no-gos with new signings.

Transfer market: Mr. Schmidt, what could you enjoy more: promotion to the Bundesliga in 2023 or confidently staying in the league with qualification for the European Cup a year later?

Schmidt: I always celebrate the festivals as they come. For me, staying in the league was more important. Unfortunately, I was lying on the sofa with crutches during the summer break because I had surgery on my ankle and had to enjoy the success a little differently. Getting promoted is one thing – but then confirming your performance and even coming eighth is a step above. And there is a question that you constantly ask yourself…

Transfer market: Which would be there?

Schmidt: How long should it take to go up? Where is the limit reached? We are currently noticing how difficult it is to win games in the Bundesliga again. That’s why I don’t celebrate successes so much and I’m more happy inside. I have a strong winning mentality and in reality only ever think about one thing: the next task. That’s what drives me.

Transfer market: Speaking of parties: In August 2023 you said on “11Freunde” that you might no longer go to the over-30 party you last attended, also because you can no longer please everyone who speaks to you. What will your presence at such festivals look like in 2024?

Frank Schmidt: Traveling around as a Bundesliga coach and remaining unrecognized – that no longer exists. Don’t forget that I was only at home in the summer because of the crutches. I think the last big celebration was the over-30s Christmas party in Heidenheim almost two years ago. When I do, I’m usually with a small circle of friends.

Transfer market: You wanted to look at the table for the first time after ten Bundesliga games. After five games without a win, you are close to the relegation zone. What is your interim conclusion?

Community All topics related to 1. FC Heidenheim Have your say now! Schmidt: Wolfsburg was a groundbreaking game. If we had won, we would have been right on track. However, we can’t be satisfied with the results recently and are running a bit behind the music. Of course the pressure is increasing and we are missing a few points. I know the discussions about the next top opponents. We are preparing for a somewhat bumpy road. But the team is always ready to push the limits and tries everything. The games were close. The last few years have only been going in one direction. We have to deal with the fact that there is a phase like the current one. It would be too nice if you could only celebrate successes.

Editor’s note: The program after the international break is Leverkusen (A), Chelsea (H), Frankfurt (H), FC Bayern (A), Basaksehir (A) and Stuttgart (H). To the 1. FC Heidenheim schedule.

1. FC Heidenheim with a flawless record in the Conference League

Transfer market: In the Conference League, however, you achieved the full number of points. Is success in Europe a danger for the Bundesliga because it can distract from day-to-day business?

Schmidt: My wife says, ‘You wanted it this way.’ And of course we accept it that way. What we are missing to some extent is normal training. In terms of team tactics, we cannot currently work as we are used to. We play, regenerate, sleep, eat, prepare for the opponent in the final training and play again. That’s why I’m not unhappy about the international break. We don’t complain and try to make the best of it. This is not easy for us at the moment. Our main task is to stick with it.

Transfer market: Heidenheim achieved something historic with promotion and European Cup qualification. You mentioned it: Has this reached the peak of the maximum possible for the club?

Schmidt: That’s probably the case. In recent years it has only gone in one direction. We achieved something that was unimaginable and that no one could have expected. But to speak of the ultima ratio now would also be wrong. You just have to balance expectations with what we can achieve. If we hold the class, that would be a further step. To understand this, you only have to take a look at the 2nd league. You would actually expect a lot of teams to be in our position in the Bundesliga.

Transfer market: You have been Heidenheim coach since 2007. How many times in all these years have you felt the urge to do something new, but then rejected the thought?

Schmidt: Not once, otherwise I would have taken the opportunity. Anyone who knows me knows that when I make a commitment, you can rely on me 100 percent. Of course, it’s not the case that everything is easy here in Heidenheim, no matter what the results are. Perhaps we are facing the most difficult phase of my time as a coach.

It will only be about staying in the league.

Transfer market: How do you determine that?

Schmidt: We say very clearly that 1. FC Heidenheim will not play in the Bundesliga for the next ten years as a matter of course. That would be a misconception. Everyone needs to know how we have been doing this for years: with player sales and new signings from the second, third or even fourth league. There can’t be any expectation that things will automatically continue like this. The new players have a lot of potential, but still need to develop in the Bundesliga. Even after leading the table after the second matchday, I said: It will only be about staying in the league.

Transfer market: They may have had the right nose.

Schmidt: This will be a brutal fight until the end. I think everyone feels a little validated and would like it to be a little more comfortable. But we’re not at ‘Make a Wish’. In the end, as in every company, there is a balance sheet – it has to be right. You get what you deserve. We are convinced that we will be above the line at the end of the season. If we are 14th like we are now, that would be a huge success. I can only promise that we will do everything we can to make this happen. Every year anew. Because it doesn’t always go any higher. We often have to take a step back in order to move forward again.

Transfer market: What do you mean specifically?

Schmidt: It’s about squad planning when top performers are handed over. That was a turning point for us in the summer. We’re still refocusing our offense. Except for Adrian Beck, Stefan Schimmer, Denis Thomalla and Marvin Pieringer, everyone is new at the front.

Departures from 1. FC Heidenheim as motivation for coach Schmidt

Transfer market: How worried were you that your successful team could fall apart, especially after the departure of your top performers Tim Kleindienst and Jan-Niklas Beste?

Schmidt: Many people in the area were worried. But as a coach I need situations like this again and again. If you’ve been working in the club for so long, a change is in order every now and then to reposition yourself. This is my calling and it drives me. I have a huge desire and great respect for overcoming these hurdles. I have other concerns in my life.

Transfer market: Talent Paul Wanner is currently in particular focus and has the choice between the German and the Austrian national team. How do you perceive him?

Schmidt: Totally mature and reflective for his 18 years, with a clear plan. It’s not like he asks me for advice every day. He already knows this himself, along with his parents and his advisor. A lot is coming at him. We are very happy with him. He’s already come a long way as a personality, but I think we can give him a little more in terms of tools. He’s had a bit of a harder time in the last few games, but that’s completely normal in his first real Bundesliga year. He has extremely great potential and stands with both feet in life. I am sure that if he stays free from injuries and continues to progress through each level, he can become an outstanding footballer.

Transfer market: You preach values ​​such as reliability to your players. What type and category of player will FCH never sign?

Schmidt: Dishonest, lazy, know-it-all.

Transfer market: Has this happened before?

Schmidt: We are very good at putting together the squad because we know exactly what we want. And the consultants also know what suits Heidenheim or not. It’s not uncommon for us to deal with a player, but then the agent says, ‘He’s not a good fit for you!’ It is quite clear that not every player has the character or nature for Heidenheim. The constellation has to be right, the collective is the most important thing. We don’t have a 100% hit rate, but we have a very good one. There were times when things didn’t fit at all.

By Philipp Marquardt

Part 2 will follow soon: Schmidt talks about the right moment to quit, future plans, no offers, an unfulfilled promise to his wife and his high energy level.