Heidenheim leave Maloney out of squad due to lack of focus

Heidenheim coach Frank Schmidt has decided to leave Lennard Maloney out of his squad for the match against Bochum, saying the 25-year-old lacks focus due to his uncertain future.

Photo: Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images

Lennard Maloney didn't feature in Heidenheim's 1-1 draw with St. Gallen in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday - and he won't be involved in the Bundesliga against Bochum on Sunday either.

That's not because he's injured, but because Heidenheim coach Frank Schmidt believes the United States international is too preoccupied with speculation about his future.

"Maloney is fit and has been training again. I decided yesterday and also for Sunday not to include him in the squad, because he's not in a condition to fully concentrate on the sporting tasks at the moment," said Schmidt at a press conference on Friday.

Maloney is out of contract with Heidenheim at the end of the season and has been heavily linked with a move away from the Bundesliga club.

“Everyone can decide whether to extend a contract or not. But in the overall context, the situation in the winter will play a big role,” said Schmidt.

“I simply want my vice-captain to have a different focus and perform differently on the pitch. That hasn't been the case recently. I spoke to the player about it and told him my reasons before the game yesterday.”

Heidenheim go into Sunday's game in 16th place in the Bundesliga with 10 points.