Favourites against HSV? Here’s what Heidenheim boss Schmidt says! | OneFootball

HSV and FC Heidenheim, the weakest teams so far this Bundesliga season, face each other. Is there even a favorite?

This is likely to be the first real relegation thriller of the season: On Saturday afternoon, Hamburger SV (17th place) will host 1. FC Heidenheim (18th place). While the Hanseatics are still goalless but at least have one point, Heidenheim is still waiting for their first success after three consecutive defeats.

That’s why FCH coach Frank Schmidt is well aware of the significance of the match. “It’s a game that sets the direction. Even though it’s only the 4th matchday: We’ve lost all three games, HSV has only picked up one point. Now it’s about finally getting some points,” he made clear to Bild.

Schmidt is putting a special focus on attacking play: “So far, neither team has created many clear chances. What will be decisive is who acts with more determination and makes better use of their opportunities.”

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The encounter also brings back certain memories: Just over two years ago, Heidenheim secured direct promotion with a dramatic last-minute win in Regensburg. That result came at the expense of HSV, whose fans were already celebrating on the pitch in Sandhausen. But Schmidt emphasizes: “From our perspective, that success was pure joy, but it wasn’t schadenfreude directed at HSV.”

When asked about who is the favorite, the league’s longest-serving coach remains as reserved as ever: “1. FC Heidenheim is never the favorite against HSV. Historically, that explains itself. But as a promoted team and with HSV’s weaker start, it’s more of a duel on equal terms for us than it was against Dortmund last week.”

Despite all the sporting problems, the trip to Hamburg is a real highlight for Schmidt. “I’m glad HSV is back at the top. It’s one of the biggest clubs in Germany.” However, he doesn’t want to pass on the experience he’s gained from two successful relegation battles. “HSV doesn’t need any advice from me,” says Schmidt.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.