(Credit: Imago)

Farke's frustrations with Isaac Schmidt spill over in touchline incidents v Villarreal

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

03 Aug 2025, 11:11 am

Leeds United took part in their penultimate friendly of pre-season on Saturday, in a 1-1 draw against Villarreal.

It was a positive performance from Daniel Farke’s side as they took on a Champions League outfit.

Joel Piroe scored the only goal for Leeds, with the start of the Premier League season now just over two weeks away for the Peacocks.

However, despite the positives, there were some negatives, with Isaac Schmidt struggling against Villarreal.

Leeds striker Joel Piroe gives a thumbs up

Joel Piroe scored Leeds' only goal against Villarreal (Credit: Imago)

Farke blasts Schmidt from touchline v Villarreal

Schmidt has had a tough time at Leeds since his move to the Yorkshire club last summer.

The left-back only made 14 appearances in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign, with Farke favouring other options.

Now, Schmidt is linked with a Leeds United exit as the Peacocks look to quickly cut their losses.

However, this has not stopped Farke from giving the 25-year-old a chance to revive his career at the Yorkshire club, with the full-back featuring multiple times this pre-season.

Schmidt signed from St. Gallen last summer
The left-back struggled to break into Leeds' first-team and failed to start a single Championship game last season
Schmidt has since been linked with a Leeds exit this summer

Despite some good initial displays, against Villarreal, Schmidt was poor, misplacing numerous passes.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post (3 August), Farke’s frustrations with the defender grew, with the 25-year-old hearing it from the manager from the touchline in the first half after giving the ball away.

In the second half, Schmidt was unable to stop the cross that led to the visitors' goal, which topped off a disappointing afternoon for the full-back.

Daniel Farke should look into a quick Schmidt sale

Schmidt isn’t good enough for the Premier League

Farke needs to ensure that Schmidt is sold this summer.

Simply put, the full-back is not good enough for the Premier League, and his value will only deteriorate the longer he goes without playing.

By selling him over the next month, it is likely to be the most the Peacocks ever recover in what has been a failed transfer.

Hopefully, a suitable buyer comes forward in the next few weeks to end any speculation quickly.

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Daniel Farke

Isaac Schmidt