Mousinho accepts responsibility for Schmid error in Portsmouth’s Millwall comeback

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has taken personal responsibility for goalkeeper Nico Schmid's mistake that allowed Millwall to take the lead, according to The News Portsmouth FC. Schmid gifted possession from a sixth-minute goal-kick, enabling Jenson Metcalfe to open the scoring for the visitors. Despite the error, Portsmouth mounted a comeback to win 2-1 against the Londoners.

Mousinho explained that he had instructed his side to adopt a more expansive playing style, moving away from the direct approach that characterised Portsmouth's earlier efforts in the Championship. He acknowledged that the goalkeeper's mistake was a natural consequence of the tactical shift he had implemented. The manager stated that he bears responsibility for the decision to ask his players to build from the back in that manner.

Portsmouth's response after falling behind demonstrated their commitment to the new philosophy, Mousinho indicated. Rather than reverting to direct play against Millwall's experienced defensive line, the team maintained their approach. The manager highlighted that going direct would have been ineffective against Millwall's back four and instead emphasised the importance of either playing through or beyond the opposition's defensive shape.

The victory extended Portsmouth's unbeaten run in the Championship to seven matches, with only a single defeat in their last eight league fixtures. Mousinho also expressed gratitude to Portsmouth's supporters for showing patience as the team adapted to a different style of play during their third consecutive campaign in the second tier. According to the report, Portsmouth currently rank seventh in the Championship for possession retention.