Heidenheim to Face Stuttgart in Crucial Bundesliga Matchup
Heidenheim will look to end a three-match losing streak when they travel to Stuttgart on Friday, with the team eager to secure a vital win in the Bundesliga. The match has been labelled a “derby” by Heidenheim’s coach, Frank Schmidt, who believes the local rivalry between the two teams makes it a special occasion.
According to kicker, Schmidt is aware that not everyone may agree with his assessment, but he believes the proximity between the two teams and their history of encounters makes it a derby. “If it was the first or second time we played against each other, maybe it would be a bit of a stretch, but we’ve played each other a few times before and it’s just a short distance between the two cities,” Schmidt explained.
The match comes at a crucial time for Heidenheim, who have struggled in recent weeks, losing three consecutive matches against top-of-the-table teams. Schmidt believes that his team must show more fight and determination if they are to secure a positive result. “We need to play with more counter-attack and more resistance,” he said. “If we can do that, then we have a chance to take something from the game.”
Heidenheim will be without striker Budu Zivzivadze, who has been out injured, although midfielder Mathias Honsak has returned to training. Schmidt is unsure whether Honsak will be fit enough to start against Stuttgart, but he is hopeful that he will be able to make an impact.
The match has the potential to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams having a history of scoring goals. Stuttgart’s 4-4 draw last week and Heidenheim’s 3-3 draw against Stuttgart last season have raised expectations, and Schmidt believes that his team can cause an upset. “If we can play like we did against Bayern, then we’ll have a chance,” he said.
However, Schmidt is keen to stress that his team must not be complacent, despite Stuttgart’s recent struggles at home. “We need to focus on our own performance and not worry about the opponent’s form,” he said. “We need to play well and take our chances if we’re going to get anything from the game.”
The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with 6,000 Heidenheim fans making the trip to Stuttgart to support their team. Schmidt believes that his team must be prepared to work hard and show more determination if they are to secure a positive result. “Man bekommt bald das Ergebnis, das man verdient hat,” he said. “Umso wichtiger ist es, zu punkten.” (kicker)
In the end, Schmidt is confident that his team can cause an upset and secure a vital win. “If we play with the right attitude and take our chances, then we have a chance to take something from the game,” he said. The match promises to be an exciting encounter, and kicker will be providing all the latest updates and analysis.
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