Frank Schmidt: The Longest-Serving Manager in German Football History
Frank Schmidt, the manager of FC Heidenheim, is living every football fan’s dream. He has taken his hometown club from the depths of German football to the top flight, essentially playing Football Manager in real life. Schmidt’s incredible 17-year tenure as the boss of Heidenheim makes him the longest-serving manager in German professional football history.
A Journey from Player to Manager
Schmidt’s journey with Heidenheim began when he retired as the club captain in 2007. Born and raised in Heidenheim, he spent four years as a player for the club after a career that saw him play in various divisions. In 2007, Schmidt was asked to step in as an interim boss for two weeks, and he has been in charge ever since.
From the Fifth Tier to the Bundesliga
When Schmidt took over, Heidenheim was languishing in the fifth tier of German football. The idea of a rise to the top seemed like a pipe dream. However, Schmidt turned those dreams into reality. In his first season, he secured promotion to the fourth tier, followed by another promotion to the third tier the following year.
The Rise to the Bundesliga
Schmidt’s success didn’t stop there. After spending five seasons in the third tier, Heidenheim won the league and gained promotion to the 2. Bundesliga in 2014. Despite facing some of Germany’s biggest clubs, Heidenheim established themselves as a solid second division side. Finally, in 2023, after nine years in the 2. Bundesliga, Schmidt led his team to the Bundesliga, the top tier of German football.
Impressive Achievements in the Bundesliga
In their first season in the Bundesliga, Schmidt’s tactics and man management skills led Heidenheim to secure qualification for the UEFA Conference League. They even managed to defeat both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the league. The team’s success has continued into the current season, with Heidenheim currently sitting at the top of the Bundesliga table, having won both their opening matches and kept clean sheets.
Overcoming Challenges with Limited Resources
What makes Schmidt’s achievements even more remarkable is that he has achieved them with a team of players who have hardly played Bundesliga football before. He has been able to mold a group of relatively inexperienced players into a competitive team that can hold its own against established Bundesliga giants.
A Personal Life of Continuity
Schmidt’s longevity extends beyond his professional life. He has been with his wife since they were young, and he attributes his stability in his personal life to his success as a manager. In an interview with Bild, he said, “My whole life is about continuity. I’m also still with my first girlfriend. It just fits. It’s actually unbelievable. It doesn’t seem that long to me [at Heidenheim], but it’s crazy, especially when you look at the average half-life of coaches in professional football.”
A Manager with a Back-Up Plan
Unbelievably, Schmidt had a back-up plan in case things didn’t work out in football. He is a trained banker, showing that he had other options outside of the sport. However, his passion for football and the success he has achieved with Heidenheim prove that he made the right choice.
In conclusion, Frank Schmidt’s journey from player to manager and his remarkable achievements with Heidenheim make him a true legend in German football. His ability to lead the club from the fifth tier to the Bundesliga, combined with his longevity and success in the top flight, is a testament to his exceptional managerial skills. With Heidenheim currently sitting at the top of the Bundesliga, Schmidt’s story continues to inspire and captivate football fans around the world.