Rumors detailing SV Werder Bremen's interest in Isaac Schmidt had been circulating in the media for weeks prior to the defender's arrival in the city on Thursday. The Switzerland international has now joined the Green-Whites on a season-long loan from Leeds United, and is looking forward to making his Bundesliga debut. In an interview with WERDER.DE, he spoke about learning of SVW's interest in him, his goals with the Swiss national team and what he loves about the anime series Dragon Ball.
WERDER.DE: Moin Isaac, welcome to Bremen! News of Werder's interest in you has been circulating since last month already. How excited are you to now finally be here?
Isaac Schmidt: Yes, I'm finally here. I think the first phone call from the coach came on 1st July. I spoke with him and with the staff then. Since then, it was clear to me that I wanted to play for Werder.
WERDER.DE: Bremen will be your first stint at a Bundesliga club. What was the deciding factor in your decision to join SVW?
Isaac Schmidt: I've been familiar with the club for several years now, and Werder are a big club. I also love German football, the Bundesliga and the mentality here. There's plenty of good football being played here and the fans are fantastic. I also know that both Werder and the head coach, who joined ahead of the season, want to play good football.
WERDER.DE: We've already seen how you're capable of playing on both flanks as a full-back. How would you describe your style of play?
Isaac Schmidt: I've played several different positions over the course of my career, including both in offence and defence. I work hard to help the team, both mentally and physically. I think my strength is that I'm good at a lot of different things.
WERDER.DE: Another of your former teammates at Leeds, Maximilian Wöber, is also now at Werder. Have you already spoken to each other?
Isaac Schmidt: No, not yet. I wanted to reach out to him, but didn't because the transfer took a while to be completed. That's why I figured it would be better to wait and now we'll see each other on the pitch soon.
My first call-up to the national team was a very emotional moment.
WERDER.DE: You'll be the seventh Swiss player to feature for SV Werder Bremen. You're familiar with Ulisses Garcia from playing for Switzerland together. Was he able to share anything about Werder with you?
Isaac Schmidt: No, I didn't tell anyone about the move. I know that he was playing here a few years ago. He enjoyed some good moments here and Werder helped him establish himself as a professional.
WERDER.DE: You earned your first cap for the 'Nati' in March and have now also been called up for the upcoming international break. What does it mean for you to get to represent Switzerland?
Isaac Schmidt: My first call-up to the national team was a very emotional moment. I hope that I'll be able to help Werder out on the pitch and that Werder will also help me to improve. There's a World Cup coming up next year and I hope I'll be able to be a part of it.
WERDER.DE: Your mother is from Nigeria. What connection do you have to the country?
Isaac Schmidt: Nigeria is very important to me, just like Switzerland, where I was born. I haven't been to the country yet, but I know the culture very well given that nearly my entire family is from there. My mom shared a lot of stories about Nigeria growing up and I've also eaten plenty of Nigeria food.
WERDER.DE: A look at your Instagram profile shows that you're also a huge fan of Dragon Ball.
Isaac Schmidt: Yes, I'm not only a fan of Dragon Ball, but of several other anime shows as well. What I like about Dragon Ball, is how the characters work hard to improve and to get stronger. It's a good source of motivation for me.
WERDER.DE: Let's turn the focus back to football now. What goals have you set yourself for the season?
Isaac Schmidt: I always want to achieve the best possible and we need to step on the pitch wanting to win every game. We shouldn't hide ourselves and can also dream of qualifying for Europe, the way every team does. That's why I play football, after all. I hope that I'll be able to help the club finish the season as high up the table as possible.
WERDER.DE: Isaac, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. We wish you all the best for a strong start to life in Bremen!
