Heidenheim were very close to their first ever promotion to the top flight, but in the end the play-off vs. Werder Bremen saw 0:0 away draw followed by 2:2 home result and on the away goal rule Schmidt’s men failed! Despite that this has been by far the best ever campaign for the modest club and there were plenty of positives from it.
Heidenheim’s big strength this season was the unity of the squad, the complete trust in the manager for 13 consecutive seasons Frank Schmidt and the excellent home form, particularly in 2020. Even the lengthy COVID-break didn’t stop Heidenheim from winning home matches and they finished in the top 3 thanks to 11-game unbeaten run at home (W9 D2)!
It was the away form that wasn’t good enough though and the main reason why Heidenheim never really got close enough to challenge for direct promotion. Way too passive displays on the road were hurting team all campaign.
Top scorer Tim Kleindienst was very effective all season and his goals brought lots of points. His form faded a bit after the COVID-break, but still he was by far the most important forward asset of the team.
On the other hand Theuerkauf had poor campaign, which culminated with decisive own goal in the second leg of play-off vs. Werder that might have been the main reason why Heidenheim didn’t get promoted.
The outlook for next season is very good and with the main core of players dedicated and willing to stay + Schmidt taking charge for fourteenth consecutive season Heidenheim will try even harder to get promoted and they should be in the mix.
