2. Bundesliga: Coach Schmidt Signals Likely Departure from Heidenheim

Frank Schmidt, the long-serving coach of 1. FC Heidenheim, has stated that the current season is likely to be his last with the club. Schmidt, who is entering his 20th season as head coach, indicated that the intense demands of the past two years in the top-flight Bundesliga, marked by relegation battles and numerous setbacks, have taken a toll. "One must not forget that the last two years were exhausting. They were great, but there were still many failures," Schmidt told the German Press Agency. "And it's not as if I can plug myself into an electrical outlet in the evening, recharge, and it passes without a trace."

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One must not forget that the last two years were exhausting. They were great, but there were still many failures. And it's not as if I can plug myself into an electrical outlet in the evening, recharge, and it passes without a trace.

Schmidt, 52, first hinted at his potential departure in late April, even before the club's relegation was confirmed. He had initially suggested his contract, which ends in 2027, might not be extended. However, he left a small opening, adding, "In football, one should generally never say never."

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In football, one should generally never say never.

The club's board remains optimistic about retaining Schmidt. Chairman Holger Sanwald emphasized that the team is actively working to persuade him to extend his contract and is not exploring potential successors. "As long as he speaks of it being 'presumably' his last season, we will do everything we can to get him to extend again and not deal with anyone else," Sanwald stated. He indicated that the club would find the right moment during the season to discuss Schmidt's future. Schmidt took over as head coach of FCH in September 2007, guiding the club from the Oberliga all the way to the Bundesliga.

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As long as he speaks of it being 'presumably' his last season, we will do everything we can to get him to extend again and not deal with anyone else.