Guilavogui: An asset on and off the field

Josuha Guilavogui signed his contract at the Bruchweg at the start of the week, having previously made 207 appearances in the Bundesliga, all of which were for VfL Wolfsburg. He may add another appearance to his tally as soon as Saturday (15:30 CEST) as 1. FSV Mainz 05 take on Bayer Leverkusen at the MEWA ARENA. Going into retirement at the age of 33 wasn’t an option for Guilavogui. As long as he has the desire, he wants to keep playing the “most beautiful sport in the world.” Head coach Bo Svensson explained that the Frenchman is certainly an option for the matchday squad, even if his fitness levels means he’s not yet ready to start after four months without team training. 

A surprising return to the Bundesliga

Guilavogui had actually ruled out playing in the German top flight again after his departure from Wolfsburg, where he was captain for a long time. “However, football’s like that sometimes,” he said, explaining that you can’t always predict the future. Consequently, the Frenchman’s path crossed with that of FSV. The new arrival recalled that a message from Mainz’s sporting director Martin Schmidt, who knows Guilavogui from their time together at VfL, did the trick. The veteran was immediately convinced by the task at hand at Bruchweg. Guilavogui is also thankful for the support of Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schäfer and head coach Niko Kovac, whose opinions the Frenchman sought before signing for Mainz. 

Mainz’s location also played a role in positively influencing Guilavogui’s decision. “I have two kids and won’t go anywhere just to earn money. I’m a family man and a lot would have to be convenient for me to go far away,” the veteran said, explaining why he preferred FSV over a switch to a non-European country, whilst also not wanting to categorically rule out such a move. His family will follow him to Mainz shortly, whilst the two-time father has already discussed views on a French school for his daughter with new teammate Ludovic Ajorque.

Lots of qualities that will help the team

The new arrival has been right in the thick of things from the start, even if there are still times when he is doing individual sessions instead of taking part in team training. “For a player who hasn’t taken part in team training for a long time, his fitness is good,” Svensson added, praising the Frenchman. However, reaching full fitness could well take until after the next international break. Mainz’s head coach stated that the fact that the Frenchman asked to be sent the 05ers’ games from last season by email so as to “get involved as quickly as possible” shows how meticulous he is. The new arrival has been present at every meeting, has chatted with the other players a lot and has also watched those training drills which he can’t yet actively take part in.

“It comes naturally from him as he likes to take responsibility and wants things to move forward,” FSV’s head coach said. It wasn’t without reason that Guilavogui wore the captain’s armband at VfL Wolfsburg for a long time.” I think we all reckon that we’ve got a guy who can do very well for us,” Svensson went on to say. The boss is sure that the Frenchman will be able to help the team as a result of his personal and footballing qualities as well as his experience in the centre of defence, where he is expected to play for FSV. 

Eleven players who need to think like one

Guilavogui has already watched parts of the aforementioned videos with his father. “Bo and Martin told me that I should watch the Frankfurt game four times because it was a very good game,” the new arrival explained, whilst laughing. There is admittedly a lot of work to do, but the team has demonstrated the quality and potential that they have over the last few years, and this is also currently visible in training. “The most important thing in football is confidence,” the Frenchman knows, and this is lacking a little at the moment. The team wants to take the first step in the right direction with a positive result against Leverkusen.

Nevertheless, the experienced new arrival issued a reminder that the team needs to be realistic, as FSV currently find themselves in a relegation battle. “We don’t need to say that we are dreaming of Europe or the Champions League if we pick up a point. That wouldn’t be logical,” the long-serving Wolfsburg player asserted. The lessons he has learnt fighting for survival at VfL Wolfsburg could possibly help and the team may benefit from his experiences even if he doesn’t have the solution for every problem. “We are 11 players, but we need to think like one. That’s the hardest thing in football – following a game plan with 11 different individuals,” explained Guilavogui, who is also very involved in charitable endeavours in his parents’ native country.

His foundation as a ‘great source of pride’

The Frenchman takes care of orphans in Guinea through the Josuha Guilavogui Foundation. “That’s my great source of pride,” the FSV player said. He has always wanted to help children who aren’t as fortunate as a professional footballer. Alongside two classrooms and various bedrooms, there is a also a football pitch and a basketball court, as well as a playground, which means it’s possible to do lots of exercise. “It’s like a small academy, where they can focus on being children. We will make sure that they have everything they need for their futures so that they can be tomorrow’s parents,” Guilavogui explained. 

He tries to be there in person twice a year whilst he is active as a footballer. Recently, the kids were amazed about the new colour of his training kit. “Not all teams in Germany play in green,” the likeable Frenchman had to clarify.

The story of David and Goliath 

FSV’s new arrival faces off against Bayer 04 in his first game in red and white, who Guilavogui believes to currently be “the best side in the league,” adding, “They play phenomenal football, but they won’t keep winning all year. The story of David and Goliath has already happened before. Why not on Saturday?”