Guilavogui: “That moment gave me goosebumps”

Instead of continuing his career abroad after nine years playing for VfL Wolfsburg as he had originally planned, Josuha Guilavogui decided to take up FSV’s offer at the end of September last year, thus staying in the Bundesliga. He was fully convinced that he would be able to help his new club by performing at a high level at the age of 33, and hoped to be able to contribute towards a successful season. Things obviously turned out differently as his first few months at his new home were dominated by sporting setbacks and injuries. Nevertheless, the Frenchman firmly believed that his move to Mainz was “fate” and he’s optimistic that the team will be able to make up ground and secure survival in the coming weeks. 

The defender has featured in seven consecutive games for the 05ers recently, with four of those appearances being starts. As a result, the final summer signing has more than trebled his appearances within a few weeks compared to the previous months. He initially had to increase his fitness – he kept himself fit on his own during the summer break – but he received a setback in the form of a muscle injury immediately after that. “I love defending, and that’s what I came for,” the defender explained upon signing. He has demonstrated this passion and his value to the team, and he’s become an important factor both on and off the pitch. 

“Responsibility in many ways”

The experienced midfielder radiates a sense of calmness, always has a smile on his face, does his job in an exemplary fashion, and with his experience can serve as a vital pillar of the team during the relegation battle, having won the relegation play-off in both 2017 and 2018 with VfL Wolfsburg. “As a footballer, you’re always under pressure and you put it on yourself too, because you always want to deliver the best possible performance. It’s important to have a positive approach. It shouldn’t be about what we could lose. In my opinion, it’s much more important to have a ‘craving’ for a perfect moment of the week and a positive result. It’s all about these emotions and feelings of happiness for us,” he said, describing his approach to the current situation, and he also has an eye on the big picture. “As a footballer, of course it’s about our career and success as a sportsperson, but you can’t forget the staff, who have families and love their jobs, and the fans who do everything for their club. We take on responsibility in many ways. It’s not always easy being a professional footballer, but it’s the best job I can imagine.”

“We know exactly what we need to do to win”

The 05ers received a confidence boost from the point in Leipzig last weekend, a game in which Guilavogui stood out along with Robin Zentner, and are now raring to go for their two home games against Darmstadt 98 (Saturday, 15:30 CEST) and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (exactly one week later). The Frenchman though emphasises that the point against a side that played in the Champions League this season will only mean anything if they build on it at home and pick up another three points against the Lilies. Our number 23 is optimistic, not just about the performance of the team but also about the environment at the club, where he has noticed an extremely positive atmosphere. “I believe in fate and after the last six months I am totally convinced that I am at the right club. Despite the tough season we’ve had I feel really comfortable with the team, I get along with everyone. Added to that is the positive attitude of our fans – and their influence should never be underestimated. Before the Bochum game, they were here at the Bruchwegstadion to motivate us. They’ve shown that they believe in us and we have to believe in ourselves instead of being overly critical. You can feel their love for the club; that moment gave me goosebumps. There is nothing we want more than to fight, run and win for them – because they’ll always support us.”

And with the fans behind them, the 05ers will be looking to continue their bid to remain in the top tier against Darmstadt. Guilavogui cannot imagine that the Bundesliga’s bottom club could be under any more pressure than FSV. “That’s impossible,” he says. “We’re at home and have to go out there with the self-confidence we’ve built up over the last few weeks. We want the three points and I’m very optimistic because we know exactly what we need to do to win. And our opponents have noticed by now that Mainz are back. We want to celebrate with the fans, soak up that winning feeling in the dressing room with the music blaring, (and be able to embrace each other.)” A positive result this weekend would be the next small step in the right direction, but the 05ers’ philosophy will not be changing in the final weeks of the season with the threat of relegation looming. “We’ll do our own thing and won’t be paying any attention to what the other teams are doing. We can achieve something great together and will never give up. That has to be our guiding principle.”