Schmidt expects a different game in Elversberg

Frank Schmidt thinks there is no chance for the repeat of an end-to-end game when his side face Elversberg for a place in next season’s Bundesliga.

The first-leg of the promotion/relegation playoff was a spectacular event of attacking football. Elversberg raced to a two-goal lead early in the game, but they squandered their advantage following a strong second-half showing by Heidenheim.

“We had lots of shots on goal. We need to be more specific and, ultimately, more effective in these situations,” Frank Schmidt said about the first showdown. Not only the Bundesliga outfit, but also Elversberg could’ve scored more than two goals on Thursday.

“I think there will be fewer chances (on Monday). But, that’s just speculation. Especially in games like these, the same game doesn’t happen again. Both coaches can make tactical changes,” reflected Heidenheim’s coach. “There’s tension and nervousness, no one can escape it; it’s part of the game.

“The team and I are determined to play this game. We want it to get going. We’re approaching it with this anticipation and tension. Basically, we’ve been preparing for this duel for months. We wanted these games, and that’s why we’re happy to be able to play it”.

Schmidt admits that his entire staff and players weren’t planning on vacation time at the end of the Bundesliga season, as they were fighting for a playoff spot in the final couple of months. The long-serving coach also calls for a big impact from their traveling support.

Two years ago, Heidenheim were promoted to the  Bundesliga for the first time in their history with a stunning comeback win in Regensburg. They scored two injury-time goals to get past Hamburger SV in front of 5,000 traveling fans.

On Monday, that number will be 1,600 in Elversberg’s small stadium, Ursapharm Arena. Heidenheim’s spokesman said their allocated tickets were sold out in five minutes. Schmidt hopes they can do it once again to play a third season in Germany’s top-flight.

“The Regensburg game simply shows that you have to believe until the end to be successful – and that’s exactly how we’ll approach it in Elversberg,” said the 51-year-old coach. “It’s worth remembering that anything is possible in football. It’s a similar situation now, too. It’s the last game of the season.”