After conceding a flood of goals in their first competitive matches and suffering a humiliating cup defeat at the hands of a Regionalliga team, Heidenheim coach Frank Schmidt is calling for better defensive play from the Bundesliga relegation team. “We’ve conceded twelve goals in three games. That’s a no-go; it’s unacceptable. We have to put a stop to that,” said the 52-year-old ahead of Saturday’s home game in the 2. Bundesliga against Dynamo Dresden (1:00 p.m./Sky). Following the 2–5 loss in the DFB Cup against Jeddeloh II and the previous 1–4 league defeat at Hertha BSC, FCH used the midweek training sessions to “bring more stability to our defense. “That’s fundamentally the basis for all teams, but also for our style of play.” It’s about the right attitude, how the players compete in one-on-one situations, and supporting one another. “That has to be right,” emphasized Schmidt, whose team started the season with a win against promoted VfL Osnabrück, but had already conceded three goals in that 4-3 victory. Schmidt is hoping for a boost from Michael Heule, who joined 1. FC Heidenheim from Swiss champion FC Thun just this Monday. The left back is a candidate for the starting lineup. In addition, following the departures of key players such as Benedikt Gimber, Niklas Dorsch, Eren Dinkçi, and Marvin Pieringer, FCH is looking for further reinforcements before the transfer window closes next Tuesday. “A lot can still happen,” Schmidt explained. “We’ll try to make the most of whatever’s possible.” Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reservedMore new signings? “A lot can still happen.”
