Sat Apr 19 13:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Heidenheim’s Schöppner: Bayern Frust Could Be Advantage, Relegation Fight Remains

**Heidenheim, Germany** – 1. FC Heidenheim midfielder Jan Schöppner spoke ahead of their crucial Bundesliga clash against Bayern Munich, expressing cautious optimism despite the team’s precarious relegation battle. Schöppner believes Bayern’s recent Champions League exit could work in Heidenheim’s favor, suggesting their frustration might translate into a more aggressive, potentially less controlled performance.

“Generally, I always support German teams, so I would have preferred a Bayern win,” Schöppner admitted. “But maybe their frustration and desire to make amends for the Champions League exit will work to our advantage.” He acknowledged the inherent difficulty of the match but highlighted Heidenheim’s recent strong performances against top teams, citing their competitiveness against Leverkusen and Frankfurt as evidence. “We’ve had our chances against big teams, and we need to convert them,” he stressed.

The Heidenheim midfielder detailed the team’s training focus, emphasizing work on tackling and transition plays. Coach Frank Schmidt’s message was clear: winning individual battles is key to frustrating Bayern. Schöppner explained their tactical approach, stating that their style, focused on pressing and quick transitions, actually suits them well against technically strong opponents, despite their statistical struggles against top teams this season.

While acknowledging the upcoming derby against Stuttgart and subsequent matches against Bochum, Union Berlin, and Werder Bremen as crucial, Schöppner dismissed the notion of them being “bonus games.” He emphasized the team’s determination to secure points, highlighting their past successes against top opponents. The Bochum match, he conceded, could be pivotal in the fight for relegation or the relegation playoff spot.

Regarding the team’s chances of avoiding direct relegation, Schöppner admitted that, realistically, direct survival is unlikely with a seven-point gap to safety. However, he remains confident in achieving survival through the relegation playoffs. He also acknowledged monitoring the 2. Bundesliga promotion race in anticipation of potential playoff opponents, expressing his reservations about the two-leg playoff system, believing it favors the higher-league team.

Despite Heidenheim’s high number of conceded goals this season (56, compared to 55 last season), Schöppner attributed this not to defensive issues, but to a combination of bad luck, early conceded goals, and the toll of the team’s double commitment. He concluded by expressing confidence in the team’s morale and their chances of securing survival, emphasizing their positive team spirit and recent form.

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