SoccerRecap
Forest's first-half frenzy at Sunderland eases relegation worries
Nottingham Forest's 5-0 win over Sunderland boosts relegation hopes
Sky Sports1 min read
SoccerPreview
FC Heidenheim vs. FC St. Pauli preview: Schmidt seeks to delay the inevitable after departure news
TL;DR
FC Heidenheim faces FC St. Pauli as both teams aim to avoid relegation. Manager Frank Schmidt hinted at a potential departure at the end of his contract in June 2027.
Key points
- FC Heidenheim hosts FC St. Pauli
- Both teams aim to avoid relegation
- Frank Schmidt hints at leaving in June 2027
- Potential end of a 20-year managerial tenure
Mentioned in this story
Frank Schmidt
FC HeidenheimFC St. Pauli
FC Heidenheim vs. FC St. Pauli preview: Schmidt seeks to delay the inevitable after departure news
Heidenheim host St. Pauli as both teams try to avoid a return to 2. Bundesliga. Frank Schmidt’s statement of a potential departure at the end of next season is the headline story ahead of the game at Voith-Arena.
Heidenheim
In his pre-match press conference, Schmidt suggested he’ll most likely leave Heidenheim at the end of his contract in June 2027. If that’ll be the case, one of the all-time longest managerial spells in European football will be concluded after 20 years.
After exceeding expectations in their first two Bundesliga campaigns, Heidenheim are now getting closer to relegation. If they lose to St. Pauli on Saturday, they will be confirmed as the first relegated team this season with three games to spare.
Team News
Eren Dinkçi could miss the game due to an injury. Bayern loanee Arijon Ibrahimovic will be a strong candidate in the absence of the winger, who returned to the club on a loan transfer in January.
St. Pauli
Alexander Blessin’s side are winless in their last six games, but they’re now facing a big opportunity to boost their survival hopes with a win over the bottom-placed team. A win on Saturday would put pressure on teams like Werder Bremen, while it would reduce one direct rival in the race for survival.
With the home game against Wolfsburg closing out their campaign, St. Pauli will have another six-pointer in the final month of the season. However, if they finish where they’re right now, there will be a relegation/promotion playoff tie against 2. Bundesliga’s third-placed team.
Q&A
What did Frank Schmidt say about his future with FC Heidenheim?
Frank Schmidt indicated that he is likely to leave FC Heidenheim at the end of his contract in June 2027.
Why is the match between FC Heidenheim and FC St. Pauli significant?
The match is crucial for both teams as they strive to avoid relegation from the 2. Bundesliga.
How long has Frank Schmidt been managing FC Heidenheim?
Frank Schmidt has been managing FC Heidenheim for nearly 20 years, making it one of the longest managerial tenures in European football.
