Schindler leads at injury-hit Town
SCHINDLER GETS ARMBAND FOR REST OF SEASON PLUS SQUAD HIT BY INJURIES
JAN Siewert has hailed the qualities which make Christopher Schindler an ideal matchday captain for Huddersfield Town.
The German head coach has revealed the 28-year-old central defender will lead out his side in the remaining nine Premier League matches this season.
Schindler has worn the armband in each of the last two matches while club captain Tommy Smith has been suspended and will do so again as Bournemouth visit the John Smith’s Stadium.
Smith completes his ban against Eddie Howe’s Cherries, but Schindler has been selected to continue as matchday leader.
“First of all, Tommy is suspended for three games and there is no reflection on Tommy at all,” said Siewert, who is without injured key midfielder Jonathan Hogg (ribs).
“Tommy is a great guy and he has performed in each game I have been in charge.
“We need more leaders on the pitch.
“Tommy has not been there, so there is no reason for me to change it until the end of the season.”
Schindler has played 30 of Town’s 31 league and cup matches this season, missing out only at Bristol City in the FA Cup because of his sending-off for two yellow cards in the home defeat by Burnley which kicked-off the year.
“We need more people who take responsibility in our squad,” added Siewert, who has also ruled out Demeaco Duhaney (hip), Isaac Mbenza (calf ) and Adama Diakhaby (hamstring).
“Christopher will be captain for the rest of the season on the pitch. “He knows the club and it was my decision. Teams who have good leaders and good leadership quality can decide games with it.
“He is an important reason why this club is in the Premier League. “He scored the important penalty and he took responsibility – which shows he has leadership quality.
“Hoggy is also another aggressive leader for us on the pitch, as was Tommy until the last three games, so there is no reason for me to change away from Christopher Schindler for the remaining games.
“I think we need more people to take responsibility on the pitch, this is important. We need them to show leadership qualities.”
Christopher will be captain for the rest of the season on the pitch
Jan Siewert