Frank Schmidt admits Heidenheim "deserved to go down"

Frank Schmidt has admitted that his 1. FC Heidenheim side deserved to be relegated.

Photo by Leonhard Simon/Getty Images

Despite a late surge, 1. FC Heidenheim were unable to preserve their Bundesliga status, as Frank Schmidt’s side finished 17th following a 0-2 defeat to Mainz on Saturday.

Heidenheim found themselves 0-2 down at half-time, but refused to give up. Ultimately, however, they couldn't turn the game around.

“After conceding the second goal, we told ourselves at half-time: giving up is not an option,” Schmidt said in a post-match interview.

“You could see that in the opening minutes of the second half as well. We had good chances and if we had pulled one back there, the game could still have changed. But today the opponent was simply better and more effective. Mainz deserved to win today.”

The relegation brings an end to Heidenheim’s three-year stay in the Bundesliga.

“We’ve already shown in the past that we can analyse things quickly and reset ourselves. And in that regard, the behaviour of our fans, spectators, partners, sponsors, members and employees helps us enormously. It gives us strength and confidence,” Schmidt said.

“I can promise you this: none of us are satisfied today that we’ve been relegated. In the end, we only collected 26 points and deserved to go down.

“Even so, it is impressive how the club has come together in this situation. A huge compliment and thank you to every single fan, spectator and every one of my players!

“I’m convinced that we will analyse everything honestly and openly, and then do everything we can to build a strong team and have a good new season.”