Isaac Schmidt reveals what Leeds United told him despite Daniel Farke snubs
Isaac Schmidt has struggled to forge his way into Daniel Farke’s plans at Leeds United so far.
The Swiss defender has made just seven appearances in the Championship and is yet to start a league match for the Whites since signing from St Gallen.
Despite that, the Elland Road star has received his first call-up for the Switzerland national team, and he revealed more about conversations in Yorkshire.
Schmidt makes Farke admission on national duty
The former St Gallen star has been limited in his appearances due to the form of Junior Firpo.
However, the Dominican is out of contract in the summer, and Schmidt knows that he may have to bide his time to cement a place in the starting line-up.
Speaking about his call-up and life at Leeds, via Blick, he said: “The club showed me clear prospects and made it clear to me that they see my potential as a regular starter.
“England is a different world than Switzerland. I only moved shortly before the transfer deadline. It takes time to establish yourself at a club like that. I’m waiting for my chance.”
Leeds can use Schmidt if Firpo leaves
Firpo seems set to leave Elland Road when his deal expires as the two parties have not agreed on fresh terms with just two months left of the season.
The 28-year-old has been a key figure in Farke’s side, but the club appear to trust Schmidt if they are willing to let him walk away on a free transfer.
| Stats (Championship) | Firpo | Schmidt |
| Matches | 25 | 7 |
| Starts | 24 | 0 |
| Minutes played | 2097 | 25 |
It would be a risk to throw the 25-year-old straight into the deep end if the Whites secure top-flight football next season, but plenty of players thrive in that sort of situation, with former Peacocks star Archie Gray doing just that at Tottenham.
Firpo was poor in his last stint in the Premier League, so Leeds may be waiting for Schmidt to adapt to Farke’s methods and then utilise the former St Gallen man as a replacement rather than signing a new left-back, who is not used to the German’s tactical approach.
It could turn out to be a masterstroke if the Swiss national turns into a starting quality player at the top level but if he does not, it will look like a reckless gamble and could cost the Elland Road outfit their chances of survival, which are already quite low given the gap between the two divisions right now.