Heidenheim, Germany – With just two matches remaining and a five-point gap from safety, Heidenheim head coach Frank Schmidt has declared that the relegation play-off represents the team’s most viable path to remaining in Bundesliga for another season. Speaking to bundesliga.com, he emphasized the crucial nature of the upcoming games.
“We know the position we dey, and we need points. Our first chance go be against Union Berlin, where we fit push ourselves into relegation play-off spot,” Schmidt talk. “We dey plan to approach both games with intention to win, but we know say the opposition go want am too. Ultimately, we need to perform our best on the pitch to collect the points we need.”
Schmidt make am clear say dem dey target the relegation play-off because of the current situation on the table. “No use time to dey think about catching the teams ahead of us. We must face the reality before us. It’s a battle at the bottom and we need to win against Bochum to secure that play-off spot,” he add.
He also express the mix of feelings that dey surround relegation battles, saying, “Tension and impatience dey because everybody dey want know the final outcome as the season draw close. We need to embrace this tension; dats why we dey play football! The noise in the stadium, the emotions, it all part of the experience,” he said.
When asked about why Heidenheim fit stay up this season, Schmidt emphasize say na calm and emotional control dey key. “We need to play resolute football, manage our small points advantage, and believe say we fit get the points we need in these last two games. I get faith in my team to fulfill our goal and we wan finish strong after the challenges we don face this season,” he explain.
Comparing this season to the last, Schmidt noted the unique challenges. “The first season in Bundesliga was full of euphoria. This time, we know we dey in for a battle till the end. Changes happen, and many factors dey different from last year,” he recount.
Schmidt also touch on the Conference League impact, saying, “Just like any team dem wey dey play many games, we face our difficulties dis season. But we no dey complain. We accept the fact somethings no go go our way sometimes because of the level of quality in Bundesliga,” he state.
On the injury status of goalkeeper Kevin Müller, who suffered a concussion, Schmidt remains cautious. “Health dey come first. Even though he improves, we must take care of him. E possible say he go sit down for this match, no matter the stakes,” he say. Schmidt said the team has plans in place if Müller can’t play.
Regarding the future of his position, Schmidt declared, “I dey open to anything. I fit stay here or move on. I dey enjoy my time here and I no dey worry about tomorrow. My focus na on the present and the task wey dey ahead of us,” he said.
The coach concluded with a thoughtful reflection on the power of family support and passion for football. “Football no be just work; na vocation. We dey lucky to work for something wey we love. I dey receive good support from my family. We go always want to win, but we must remember the joy wey this game bring to our lives,” he stated.
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