Getting a result at the Allianz Arena was always going to be a tall task for FC Heidenheim. Though they overpowered and out-ran Bayern Munich with a superb 3-2 comeback win last season, it was at their home stadium. Now, they were faced with a full stadium of opposing fans and a team that simply would not let themselves be overpowered. So the team had to adapt accordingly.
Heidenheim head coach Frank Schmidt explained the exact nature of the adaption and how it impacted the rest of the match, via FCBayern.com: “We took a different approach today – very defensive. Especially in the first half, we didn’t have any breathing room at all. We wanted to do things differently in the second half and equalised with the first mistake Bayern made. But in order to then not lose momentum, you can’t lose the ball five minutes later and open up the centre. The good thing is that we scored two goals here and never gave up. I don’t think anyone would have thought after the first half that it would be exciting again. In the end, we lost and it’s a deserved defeat.”
Niklas Dorsch, who scored his side’s second goal, had a slightly different view on the matter. There was definitely a point in the game for Heidenheim, according to the former Bayern youngster: “If we played a bit more clever, we might’ve gotten another chance, but then all of a sudden it’s 4-2 and the game is over. Ultimately, I’m happy about every goal, but it would also be nice if it was a goal that led to victory. If we held on to the draw for longer after scoring to make it 1-1 and Bayern had gotten a bit impatient, then there might have been more in it. I think we could have secured a point today.”
It is that resilience which Heidenheim will look to call upon as they stare down the barrel of a relegation fight, despite topping the table early in the season. If they can retain their resilience, they should be comfortably clear of any relegation worries by May next year. But until then, they need to keep fighting tooth and nail for every point as they did today.
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Bayern Munich’s somewhat wild and somewhat odd 4-2 victory over Heidenheim? Great, then check out our Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show on Patreon, Spotify, or below:
Be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @IredahlMarcus, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.
