'No brainer. Unforgivable': Portsmouth faithful all say same thing over key Southampton call
Daniel Bielica and Nicolas Schmid are battling to be John Mousinho’s Championship number one.
The Fratton faithful have taken to social media to discuss the key goalkeeping conundrum facing John Mousinho ahead of next month’s south-coast derby.
The head coach is facing a key decision for the Blues’ trip to St Mary’s after the international break, with Nicolas Schmid and Daniel Bielica both vying for the number one jersey.
Schmid, of course, started the new campaign between the sticks but was dislodged after just three matches, with the Pompey boss admitting the Austrian hadn’t been at his best in the opening weeks of the season.
The 29-year-old was replaced by summer signing Bielica for the 2-0 defeat to Derby County earlier this month but endured a difficult debut under the Fratton lights.
Although the £500,000 man claimed two clean sheets against Cardiff City and Charlton Athletic, he came under fire from supporters for his involvement in both of Blackburn Rovers’ goals in Saturday’s 2-2 draw.
And with Southampton waiting after the international break, the Fratton faithful feel a third goalkeeping change in eight games is required.
We put the question: You’re in charge. Who would you start in goal, Nicolas Schmid or Daniel Bielica?
Here’s what supporters on Facebook had to say.
Pompey verdict on key goalkeeping call for Southampton derby
Chris Townsend: Good to have the competition but think Schmid back in. Being dropped may light a fire under him and get back to his best.
Paul Broadbent: Schmid should start in the derby. The second giveaway goal to Blackburn was unforgivable by Bielica, he's had enough chance.
Martin Selley: I’d choose Schmid, better one on one and with short range shots. He appears taller and able to cover the goal better.
Graham Butterworth: Bielica had a wonderful opportunity to show us his talent, to endear the Pompey faithful, but he failed that. I'm afraid Schmid may not have been as guilty. As frustrating as his distribution was, I think he needs another go.
Forget the loans, they're better where they are, we'll only depress them. They can come back when the tide is turning more positively and the crowd are ready to build up our players again.
Iain Richardson: Schmid has shown better ability in the past, Bielica seems decent but some of his handling has been suspect. I’d see who performs best in training, I lean towards Nico though.
Tony Goff: Clearly Schmid. They both have faults but Bielica has more.
Mat Chalke: Schmid for me. I think Bielica was bought because he 'is' better with his feet, but unfortunately not showed us this yet! If Schmid was taken out the team for kicking the ball out for a throw in one too many times, then Bielica has to drop out for his kick to their player on Saturday!
Schmid is bigger, can kick it longer and a good shot stopper. Surely they can teach/train him not to kick so wide! I feel less nervous with Schmid in goal than I do with Bielica. Maybe Bielica will come good, but right now he looks a little jittery for my liking.
Wayne Claridge: Schmid is easily the better keeper. No brainer in my opinion.
Andy Emberson: Schmid would've saved one of the goals Saturday I reckon, maybe time to bring him back now he’s had time to think that he's not indispensable and has to fight for his place
Grant Till: For the Derby game Schmid for his experience in the Championship.
Graham O'Neil: Pick Schmid. Bielica responsible for both goals on Saturday. Schmidt is better with his feet and there’s not much in them as shot stoppers.
Peter Serjent: Schmid. I know he had some iffy moments when he played but generally I think he's a decent keeper.
Ian John: Schmid 100% Bielica has two many errors in two fewer games.
Matt Thorn: Schmid the better out the 2 but Bursik & Steward both better in my opinion.
Mark Robinson: Has to be Schmid now after Saturdays performance from Bielica.
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