Heidenheim boss Schmidt signals 2027 departure ahead of crucial St. Pauli clash
Heidenheim manager Frank Schmidt has indicated he will likely leave the club when his contract expires in June 2027, potentially ending a remarkable 20-year tenure. Schmidt made the revelation in his pre-match press conference ahead of a pivotal Bundesliga relegation battle against St. Pauli on Saturday. The 50-year-old's potential departure would conclude one of the longest-serving managerial spells in European football history.
Schmidt's future announcement comes at a critical juncture for the club, which faces the immediate threat of relegation. A defeat at home to St. Pauli this weekend would confirm Heidenheim's immediate return to the 2. Bundesliga with three matches still to play. After surpassing expectations in their first two top-flight seasons, Schmidt's side now sits bottom of the table, needing a dramatic turnaround to survive.
Opponents St. Pauli arrive at the Voith-Arena also deeply embroiled in the relegation fight, having failed to win in their last six league outings. According to manager Alexander Blessin, Saturday's match represents a major opportunity to boost survival hopes by defeating a direct rival. A victory would not only distance St. Pauli from Heidenheim but also apply pressure to other clubs near the bottom, such as Werder Bremen.
In team news, Heidenheim may be without winger Eren Dinkci due to injury, which could open the door for Bayern Munich loanee Arijon Ibrahimovic to feature more prominently. The 18-year-old attacking midfielder returned to Heidenheim on a second loan deal in January, having spent the first half of the season with the club. St. Pauli, meanwhile, have suffered a significant blow with attacker Mathias Pereira Lage ruled out for months after sustaining a serious knee injury in training.
The historical record favours the visitors, with St. Pauli unbeaten in their last five visits to the Voith-Arena since a 2019 defeat. They also won the reverse fixture this season 2-1, thanks to a brace from Martijn Kaars. For Heidenheim, the match is not just about survival but potentially the beginning of a long farewell for Schmidt, whose legacy is intrinsically linked to the club's rise from the regional leagues to the Bundesliga.
Looking forward, the outcome of this match will have profound consequences for both clubs' immediate futures. For St. Pauli, a win could set up a more manageable run-in, culminating with a final-day home game against Wolfsburg. Finishing in 16th place would mean a relegation/promotion playoff against the third-placed team from the 2. Bundesliga. For Heidenheim and Schmidt, defeat would confirm a disappointing end to their Bundesliga adventure and mark the start of a transitional period for the club.
