Frank Schmidt, the maestro of 1. FC Heidenheim, isn't letting his team slip into a post-victory slumber. Despite their dominating 2-1 victory against BK Häcken in the Conference League's opening leg, Schmidt, the 50-year-old tactician, is urging his team to keep the foot on the gas. As they gear up for the return leg, set to kick off on Thursday at 8:30 PM, Schmidt is reminding his team not to get carried away by their initial victory.
"We've managed to secure a half-time advantage. We're not taking this win for granted, and we won't be letting our guard down," Schmidt said on Wednesday, articulating his team's quest to make it to the group stage. He views the added pressure on his inexperienced international players as an exciting opportunity rather than a burden.
"It's a thrill to be part of these matches," Schmidt emphasized, highlighting the thrill of competition. He takes a balanced approach to managing his squad, ensuring that everyone is prepared for each opponent's unique style of play.
Schmidt has implemented several tactical moves to ensure his team stays focused and adaptable. One of his strategies includes rotating the squad for each game, keeping his team fresh and ready to face any challenges. Midfield control is another key aspect of Schmidt's tactics, with Luca Kerber and Jan Schoppner often deployed as the double pivot to dictate the pace of play and provide defensive cover.
Heidenheim typically lines up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing for a balanced attack with Mathias Honsak, Marvin Pieringer, and Frans Krätzig as the trio responsible for linking up play and creating scoring opportunities. Defensive solidity is paramount for Schmidt, with a strong defensive line consisting of Omar Traore, Patrick Mainka, Benedikt Gimber, and Jonas Fohrenbach tasked with maintaining a solid shape.
Schmidt has also shown his ability to manage injuries effectively, rotating players to ensure key positions are covered. For instance, after a head injury, Jonas Föhrenbach was brought back into the starting lineup against Copenhagen, while other players like Budu Zivzivadze stepped up to replace injured or suspended players.
By employing these strategies, Schmidt aims to maintain a high level of performance and avoid complacency in the Conference League group stage, ensuring that Heidenheim remains competitive against strong opponents like RB Leipzig. In the face of adversity, Schmidt reminds his team of the importance of staying focused and not letting complacency creep in.
