Nicolas Schmid is embracing Portsmouth’s demanding fixture list as the Blues prepare for eight matches across 29 days, starting with Saturday’s trip to Charlton Athletic.
The goalkeeper, who recently returned from a fractured hand that sidelined him for 10 games, faces a testing period that includes clashes with Swansea, Blackburn and Derby before Christmas. Following the festive break, Pompey will take on QPR, Charlton again, Bristol City and Ipswich.
Having arrived from Austria’s top flight—where teams traditionally enjoy an extended winter break—Schmid is welcoming the relentless English football calendar rather than longing for time off.
“In Austria, this time of year meant you could take a proper holiday from football,” the shot-stopper explained. “However, I’d much rather be playing given the option, particularly after sitting out several fixtures due to injury.”
The 28-year-old’s absence proved mentally challenging as he watched from the sidelines whilst his teammates battled on the pitch.
“That period was incredibly frustrating because all I wanted was to be out there contributing to the team’s efforts,” Schmid added. “I’m delighted to be back between the posts and eager to help us accumulate more points.”
Following last weekend’s narrow loss to Bristol City at Fratton Park, where Pompey dominated possession but couldn’t convert chances, Schmid is determined to deliver an improved performance at The Valley.
“The positive aspect of having so many fixtures is that a poor result can be quickly rectified,” he noted. “We were absent for the opening 25 minutes against Bristol City, then couldn’t find the back of the net despite creating opportunities.”
The Austrian international praised his side’s second-half showing whilst acknowledging their current scoring struggles.
“I felt we performed well after the break—we’re simply lacking goals right now,” Schmid concluded.
