"Playing with passion"

An interview with Romano Schmid
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Romano Schmid will return to Werder Bremen this summer (Photo: nordphoto).
First Team
Sunday, 26.04.2020 / 13:03

Romano Schmid joined Werder in January 2018 before being loaned out to Wolfsberger AC. This summer, after one and a half years at WAC, the 20-year-old will return to Bremen, something he is already looking forward to. "It's always been a dream of mine to play in the Bundesliga," he told WERDER.DE. "I'm very excited to be able to accomplish this goal with Werder." 

In an interview, Romano Schmid talks about the current situation in Austria, his personal tallies from this season and how he's continued to follow the Green-Whites from abroad. 

WERDER.DE: Moin, Romano. How are you doing? 

Romano Schmid: "I'm doing well and I'm fit. We're not really allowed to do much at the moment because we're still on lockdown." 

WERDER.DE: What's the lockdown like in Austria? 

Romano Schmid: "You're supposed to stay at home. You're only supposed to go outside when necessary, for example for groceries or to go to work. But, you're allowed to go out and exercise." 

WERDER.DE:  You've probably gone out for some exercise, or? 

Romano Schmid: "Yes, we were given a home training program to complete over the last four weeks. We're supposed to return to training in small groups this week. At least, that's the plan." 

WERDER.DE: Before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, you managed to score two goals and provide five assists in 21 league games for Wolfsberger AC. Are you satisfied with this tally? 

Romano Schmid: "I'm not entirely satisfied with my personal tally. I definitely could have scored a few more goals, although I'm playing as a central midfielder here and am playing more of a defensive role than I'm used to. Overall, however, it's been a good season."

WERDER.DE: Which position is your favourite? 

Romano Schmid: "Previously I always played as an attacking midfielder.Now, however, it doesn't really matter to me where I can play to help the team. I prefer to play somewhere in midfield. I don't see myself playing up front (laughs)."

WERDER.DE: Wolfsberger AC are currently in fourth place after 22 matchdays. How would you rate the current season? 

Romano Schmid: "Things could have gone a bit better for us as a team as well. I think that we could have picked up more points, if we hadn't gotten lax in several games. For example, in our last match before the season was suspended, we conceded the equaliser in added time against Rapid Wien. If that hadn't happened, we would be in third right now. If the season is able to continue, then we have a good chance of moving up at least one spot, into third. That's something we really want to do." 

WERDER.DE: You'll be joining the Werder first team as of next season. Are you already looking forward to that?

Romano Schmid: "It's always been my dream to play in the Bundesliga. I'm very excited to be able to accomplish this goal at Werder. I'm excited to come back, after ending my perfect stop at Wolfsberger AC." 

Some friends saw it and then messaged to congratulate me.
Romano Schmid on his nutmeg against Gladbach

WERDER.DE: It sounds as though going out on loan was a good decision for you. 

Romano Schmid: "Definitely. I got a lot of playing time, was able to continue my development and pick up some Europa League experience. Given that we play good football here, these last months have been good for me."

WERDER.DE: Speaking of the Europa League: you guys served for upset by defeating Borussia Mönchengladbach at home. You also impressed those watching with a nice bit of skill. Did you get many calls or messages about it afterwards? 

Romano Schmid: "Yes, it was a few more messages than usual. Some friends saw it and messaged to congratulate me. Overall, it was a great game from the entire team. We went into it with our ambitions set high. The fact that it worked so well wasn't something that anyone expected. This match really highlighted our greatest strength: the bond within the team." 

Schmid: "Tried to watch every game"

Romano Schmid will be wearing Green and White once again as of this summer (Photo: nordphoto).

WERDER.DE: When you joined Werder in January 2019, everything happened pretty quickly. Do you even know your war around the city yet?

Romano Schmid: "I know the training ground (laughs). I trained with the U23s during my first two weeks and was able to familiarize myself with the surrounding area. I was also able to watch two Bundesliga games from the stadium. That's it though, which is why I'm looking forward to discovering more of the city this summer."

WERDER.DE: Did you continue to watch Werder's games? 

Romano Schmid: "I tried to watch every match. Personally, that went without saying. I wanted to stay in touch with what was happening. That's why I watched the games on TV." 

WERDER.DE: In 2017, The Guardian published a list in which they named your as one of footballs greatest young talents, alongside players such as Jadon Sancho and Moise Kean. What was it like for you to read that at the time, and how did you handle the pressure?

Romano Schmid: "As a young player, it's an honour to be included on a list like that. I didn't feel any pressure as a result. Several people through that it would be too much for me, or were hoping that it would be. I'm at peace with how I've developed and always try to deliver my best performance, to play with passion and to give my all."

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