Mainka: Heidenheim wants to start after relegation in the Bundesliga!

Mainka: Heidenheim wants to start after relegation in the Bundesliga!

The anticipation in Heidenheim is great: Last Saturday the 1. FC Heidenheim started the season preparation for the upcoming Bundesliga season 2025/26. Patrick Mainka, the captain of the team, confidently commented on the challenges that are Ahead. "It is a privilege to play in the Bundesliga," says the defender, who describes the past season as a turbulent, if not exhausting. After staying in the relegation against SV Elversberg, Mainka knew that he had earned a break. "Leonardo Scienzas' last-minute goal brought us all relief," recalls the captain.

Heidenheim often found himself in a delicate situation last season, as they were in last place on the table on the 25th matchday. But the team did not give up and ultimately secured the relegation with an impressive final phase, which they did with two away wins against VfB Stuttgart and Union Berlin and a point against Bochum. This remarkable achievement was the result of teamwork, trust and the constant strategy under coach Frank Schmidt, who has been considered the longest reigning coach in German professional football since 2007. Schmidt has always emphasized how important hard work and cohesion are for the club, which is particularly important at a time with one of the smallest market values ​​in the league. According to bundesliga.com, the club has lost some key players last season and now has to find new talents.

new additions and team strategy

Currently looking for reinforcements, especially on the left, those responsible are faced with the challenge of closing the gap that the departure of Frans leaves scratchy to Red Bull Salzburg. So far, Arijon Ibrahimovic has been the only new addition, but the association hopes for further commitments to strengthen the team. Mainka is optimistic: "The goal remains the relegation that we have succeeded in the past two years, although we avoided relegation sovereignly and once less confidently."

This season it is particularly important that the club is based on its strengths. The last season made it clear that improvements are essential in all areas. The focus will be on developing the team so that the audience can continue to enjoy high -class football in the future. "We would like to enjoy the coming season in full," emphasizes Mainka, while looking at the first training sessions with anticipation. After a comprehensive lactate test on Tuesday, the first training session followed that already brought numerous positive feedback.

The football environment in change

In the background of the preparations, you can also notify the general dynamics in the Bundesliga. According to a study by [Statista] (https://de.statista.com/statistik/studie/36473/umfrage/trainer change-in-fussball-bundesliga-seit-der-fieplat-63-64/), coaching changes from the 1963/64 season have changed significantly. At a time when stability and continuity are increasingly in demand, Heidenheim remains a refreshing change in everyday league life with his philosophy.

The 1. FC Heidenheim is about an exciting season and the fans can look forward to gripping games. With a solid team spirit and the determination of surprising again, Heidenheim will give everything to survive in the Bundesliga and maybe even fulfill one or two dreams. The next match could form the framework for an exciting start of the season.