‘Sure I do’: The quiet Portsmouth hero now setting sights on international breakthrough as Championship form soars
As his Pompey form continues to gain momentum, Nico Schmid has set his sights on an international breakthrough.
The Austrian goalie has also discussed his plans to keep adding a soothing element to the Blues’ Championship survival attempt, even as his performances draw attention.
In Tuesday’s pivotal victory over Cardiff City at Fratton Park, Schmid once again was outstanding, preserving the three points with a crucial late stop from Callum Robinson’s. That followed yet another crucial stop at the end of the first half, when the 27-year-old stopped Joel Bagan from getting close.
Schmid, who cost about £330,000 to acquire from BW Linz in August of last year, has probably been Pompey’s transfer acquisition of the season.
Although he had a slip-up at West Brom last month, his current form is probably at a level that is making Austrian manager Ralf Rangnick want to sign him before their Nations League play-off match against Serbia next month. Schmid’s department has two options: Alexander Schlager of Red Bull Salzburg and Patrick Pentz of Brondby. The goalie acknowledges that he wants to play for his nation.
“Yes, of course, I would like to play for Austria,” he remarked, but let’s see. I simply try to make things as easy as I can.
I constantly attempt to avoid taking the hectic route and instead choose the quiet one. In my opinion, the team benefits when the goalie plays calmly, therefore I must continue to strive for that.
“I’m glad I was in a good position for the save (from Robinson); it was pretty much the same as the first half save, I think.”
I simply try not to gamble and to be strong. I tried to keep my mind clear for the entire ninety-six minutes because I didn’t have much to do.
Since Schmid’s arrival, the goalkeeping unit has undergone significant change. Ben Killip joined from Barnsley, and Will Norris left for Wycombe. In addition, Jordan Archer and Toby Steward, a rising prospect, are being considered under the direction of well-liked keeper coach Joe Prodomo.
Ben has come in and been excellent in training and in his interactions with me, Schmid remarked. It has been excellent.
“It’s a good team, and Joe has been excellent for me.” He is a truly nice man who has undoubtedly assisted me in adjusting to life here and English football.
He texted me when I got here to let me know that I could call him whenever I wanted. For me, this has been really beneficial.
“I believe that right now, everything is much better.” You can see that we are fighting for each other on the field. That’s fantastic.
