Leeds United Boss Addresses Isaac Schmidt’s Limited Playing Time
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke admitted that not providing Swiss full-back Isaac Schmidt with more playing time is a challenging decision, but he is pleased with the player’s development.
The 22-year-old Schmidt joined the Whites from Swiss club St. Gallen during the summer transfer window, but he has primarily been a bit-part player for the club so far.
Despite appearing in seven Championship games, Schmidt has only accumulated 25 minutes of league football. Farke acknowledged that it is not an easy task to overlook the young defender, but the intense competition within the squad has made it necessary.
The Leeds manager praised Schmidt’s adaptation to the physicality of the Championship and expressed satisfaction with the player’s progress, stating that it is difficult to leave him out of the team.
“It’s a tough job to disappoint a player, especially when you have a great character like Isaac,” Farke told reporters. “In the beginning, he had to adapt a bit to the intensity of Championship football, but he found his feet. It hurts you a little bit to leave him out, but it’s professional football, sometimes you have to disappoint.”
Farke emphasized that the decision to overlook Schmidt is not a personal one but rather a result of the fierce competition within the squad. He highlighted the standout performances of Jayden Bogle and the unbeaten run of Sam Byram, making it challenging to accommodate all the full-back options.
“Get on with it, when the next chance comes to use it. In this position, there is lots of competition, Jayden Bogle is probably a standout performer in this competition and Sam Byram is unbeaten in all starting lineup appearances,” Farke said.
The Leeds boss acknowledged the importance of squad depth and the need to maintain high standards across the team. He praised Schmidt’s role in pushing his teammates to keep their performance levels high, highlighting the positive impact the Swiss defender has had on the squad.
“You need competition and Isaac is one of the players who makes sure no one can drop his level. So I am quite happy with his development.”
As Leeds United prepare to face Watford on Tuesday night, Schmidt will be eager to seize any opportunity that comes his way to impress Farke and earn more playing time.
The Whites currently sit atop the Championship table, and Farke’s ability to manage his squad effectively will be crucial in their pursuit of promotion to the Premier League.
Call to Action: With the intense competition for starting spots at Leeds United, players like Isaac Schmidt must continue to work hard and make the most of their opportunities when they arise. Fans will be hoping to see more of the talented Swiss defender in the coming weeks as the Whites look to solidify their position at the top of the league.
