Heidenheim back with confidence in relegation battling

From an outsider's view, it seems like waking up from a weird dream for German first-tier underdog FC Heidenheim and its coach Frank Schmidt.

Promoted from the second division in 2023 and making it into the UEFA Conference League one year later, along with the unforgettable duel against Premier League powerhouse Chelsea, turned things upside down.

Julian Brandt (L) of Borussia Dortmund vies with Lennard Maloney (C) and Omar Haktab Traore of FC Heidenheim during the first division of Bundesliga 3rd round match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Heidenheim in Dortmund, Germany, Sept. 1, 2023. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)

The small club's balance seemed to be out of whack on this 28th of November in 2024, when the Blues' glittering entourage rolled into an unreal world, the 50,000-inhabitant medieval town surrounding, compared to its usual procedures.

However, returning to daily routines, such as battling for relegation, does not seem frightening for the 51-year-old Schmidt.

"Things are how they are, and we better accept it. After all, it's up to us," the iconic coach said ahead of the club's league encounter in Stuttgart, upcoming Friday evening.

Despite serving an unusual job, the Heidenheim-born coach has preserved his daily life, close to that of his next-door neighbors, including daily strolls with the dogs.

The race against relegation in the 2024/25 season seems a solitary duel of 16th-seated Heidenheim (22 points) and the VfL Bochum (17th/20 points) in four remaining rounds of matches.

Chairman Holger Sanwald, who has been side of Schmidt since the coach took over in 2007 in the fourth division, in a recent interview with Xinhua, spoke about "the joy and the burden of international competition we weren't used to, nor was our squad designed for that."

But the 57-year-old added: "The Heidenheim DNA we developed is still alive. We never give up and always believe in our faith despite having lost key figures after our first year in the Bundesliga."

German international Tim Kleindienst and Niklas Beste departed last summer.

So far, Heidenheim has been one of the shining examples of how to survive in an overheated market. A pool of over 500 sponsors has provided financial stability for many years in the city with a population of only 50,000, situated in a wealthy region.

The club might not have ever won any major titles, but it relied on continual growth, far from risky investments.

Both Sanwald and Schmidt stand for the realization of one of the country's most unusual developments, as the FCH continues to rely on a small number of decision-makers, "which allows us to be quick and precise."

Both protagonists were born in the region and have kept a close relationship ever since.

In the city's medieval setting dominated by the impressive Hellenstein castle built in 1096, a project bloomed that has triggered enthusiasm among football romantics.

Structural progress is in the club's mind when it comes to the future, as a new arena and talent academy are in planning, apart from this season's outcome.

"Not only our club is eyeing examples such as the SC Freiburg. Solid growth is our goal as well, but currently staying in the first division is keeping our minds busy," Sanwald said.