Josuha Guilavogui shares what Daniel Farke said to help convince him to join Leeds United
Josuha Guilavogui was convinced to join Leeds United because of the leadership role Daniel Farke offered him upon his arrival at Elland Road.
The Frenchman was brought to West Yorkshire as a free agent in October after Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev sustained long-term injuries.
In quotes reported by LeedsLive (3 October), the 34-year-old shared what he wants to do after his playing career comes to an end.
“When he [Daniel Farke] told me this [that he’d be guiding youngsters], I said to him ‘this is a very good opportunity for me because I want to stay in football after my career, but I hope I have maybe one or two years’,” he said.
“They are the future of the club and if I can give my little stone on their path to going up to improve, I will do it with a smile on my face.
“I would like to coach, but I see me as a football player, I will not come with the balls and say ‘okay, guys, this is the training’.
“I know my role and I’m happy to be there. We have a fantastic group and I’m coming to the training with a smile.
“I know there’s not a lot of people in the world that can go to the job with a smile. I was six months at home and now I’m here playing for Leeds United. So what’s best?”
Josuha Guilavogui was a smart signing for Leeds United
While there’s no doubt that the Frenchman will be a back-up and will likely only make the odd appearance here and there, it’s evident that he has the team’s best interests at heart and will do his utmost to contribute to Leeds’ promotion hopes.
When Ampadu and Gruev return, fans are unlikely to see much more of Guilavogui but until then it feels like he’ll be able to put in consistently solid performances.
The 34-year-old’s natural position is that of defensive midfield but he can also cover centre-back which is another area that the Whites have found themselves somewhat light in this season.
Thanks to their 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle at Elland Road on 2 November, Farke’s men are now just three points off Sunderland who sit at the top of the Championship table.
If their form continues in this upward spiral, it’s hard to see how the Whites won’t come away with the second-tier title this term.
In other Leeds United news, an Elland Road target is keen on returning to England and will be available on a free transfer in January.
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