Such has been Frank Schmidt’s longevity in charge of FC Heidenheim that already in this season’s Conference League Chelsea have flirted with blooding a player with fewer years on Earth than he has in the job.

FC Heidenheim in the Conference League. Enzo Maresca's side are on the verge of securing their spot in the knockout stages after winning all three of their matches so far in the League Phase. Chelsea have comfortably seen off KAA Gent,

After a strong start to the season, Heidenheim have fallen into a slump in the Bundesliga, where a six-game winless streak has seen them drop to 15th. Their most recent defeat came at the weekend against Bayer Leverkusen, where they led 2-0 early on but eventually lost 5-2.