Josuha Guilavogui was not allowed to switch from VfL Wolfsburg to VfB Stuttgart in the winter. Image: dpa / Swen gatekeeper
Bundesliga
Actually everything was already clear for Josuha Guilavogui. He was certain that he would switch from VfL Wolfsburg to VfB Stuttgart in the winter transfer window.
Together with ex-coach Bruno Labbadia, the experienced midfielder wanted to stabilize the stumbling Swabians in the relegation battle and help them stay up.
“He called me and told me that he needed me,” says the Frenchman in an interview with “kicker”. During his tenure, Labbadia made him captain at Wolfsburg and they have had a close relationship ever since.
“I’m a grateful person, I know what Bruno Labbadia did for me back then in Wolfsburg. I came from a serious injury, he immediately gave me confidence. So I would have liked to give him something back.”
But Wolfsburg wouldn’t let Guilavogui, who really wanted more playing time, go under any circumstances. Although the 32-year-old has played just four 90-minute games this season and often sits on the bench.
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VfB Stuttgart: Guilavogui does not regret the failed change
The midfielder is not angry at the VfL bosses. Because coach Niko Kovac clarified his importance as a leading player on and off the pitch.
“I’m also very grateful to VfL, so I couldn’t cause any trouble or even go on strike. I accepted the decision.”
As early as winter 2022, the Lower Saxony complied with his wish for more playing time and loaned the seven-time French international to Bordeaux for six months.
“I know that I had my joker last year when the club did everything possible to make my move to Bordeaux possible, even though VfL were also in a difficult sporting situation.” That’s why he isn’t sad that he has to stay in Wolfsburg, “Wolfsburg is too important to me for that.”
Guilavogui has no worries about his future
Therefore, the Frenchman wants to accept his role as a leading player in the coming months and not cause a bad mood: despite the lack of playing time.
“If the team and the coach need me, I’m ready. I will never set a bad mood, I can’t. What’s the German for it? I’m a happy person!“
And maybe there will be a reunion with Labbadia in the summer. Because then Guilavogui’s contract with the wolves expires. But the Frenchman is not yet concerned about the future.
“I’m now in the last third of my career and for the first time I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. That’s a different feeling, but a good one. We will sit down and find a solution.“
Whether “Transfer-Update”, “Bayern-Insider” or Fabrizio Romano as an expert for transfers. There are many ways for fans to get information about upcoming club changes by professional footballers.
