The 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 will be without head coach Frank Schmidt for their final game of the season against 1. FC Köln. Schmidt, aged 50, will miss the match as he is scheduled for surgery on his left ankle next week, a procedure that couldn’t be postponed until the end of the season. Following the surgery, Schmidt will undergo a period of hospitalization and rehabilitation before returning to the team.
During his time as a player at Alemannia Aachen, Schmidt suffered an ankle fracture which has progressed into arthritis over the years, causing him significant pain and limitations. Originally planned for last year, the surgery was delayed due to the team’s promotion to the Bundesliga. With the need for the operation now unavoidable, Schmidt aims to be back in shape for the team’s preparations starting on July 1st.
In the absence of Schmidt, assistant coach Bernhard Raab, aged 58, will lead Heidenheim in the game against Köln. The club’s manager, Holger Sanwald, fully supports Schmidt’s decision, emphasizing the importance of his health above all else. Despite battling through pain, Schmidt’s leadership has guided the team to achieve their main goal of securing Bundesliga survival even before the end of the season. (SEO: 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 will face 1. FC Köln without head coach Frank Schmidt for their final match of the season due to a scheduled ankle surgery.)