For Darmstadt 98, the 2:2 in the top game of the 2nd Bundesliga against 1. FC Heidenheim is a small setback after four wins in a row. Coach Torsten Lieberknecht does not complain and is also happy about the one point.
Darmstadt (dpa/lhe) - In the end, Darmstadt 98's 2-2 (1-0) win against 1. FC Heidenheim in the fight for the top of the table in the 2nd Bundesliga was not enough to climb to first place. "The season is so long," said striker Braydon Manu after Saturday's game, which ended a winning streak of four straight wins. "You shouldn't focus on that so much, just watch from game to game, step on the gas, let loose and at the end of the day see what happens."
In the game, the southern Hesse team took the lead twice thanks to a flick from Manu (36th minute) and a shot from a tight angle by Frank Ronstadt, who came on at half-time (76th). But Patrick Mainka (70th) and Tim Kleindienst (82nd) were able to equalize with their heads for the guests.
"I'm not disappointed because we played really well," said Manu. "It was clear that you always have to be alert against Heidenheim, even in the final minutes, because otherwise what happened will happen," he said of the goals conceded.
98 coach Torsten Lieberknecht praised the team demonstratively. "We're happy to take the point," he said. He emphasized three areas in particular: "We had a lot of shots, won a lot of tackles and managed to keep Heidenheim from getting into their running-intensive game." One of the strongest Darmstadt players was Manu, who also caused a lot of danger away from his goal. And now has the confidence not to be afraid that by the time the transfer window closes, another striker could come along and challenge him for the spot. "Everyone wants to fight for their place, I will continue to fight for my place and not give it up easily," said the attacker. He feels comfortable in his current position: "I can develop and move freely, uncontrolled and not so predictable for the defenders." It might have been enough to win if FCH goalkeeper Kevin Müller hadn't reacted brilliantly to a header from defender Patric Pfeiffer after an hour. "He'll do it again next week," said midfielder Tobias Kempe of the next home game next Sunday (1:30 p.m.) against Bundesliga relegated Arminia Bielefeld.
