Daniel Farke has spoken for the first time about Josuha Guilavogi following his arrival on a free transfer at Leeds United.
Guilavogui was in attendance at Leeds’ last two matches at Elland Road but until signing on the dotted line, Farke refused to discuss any specific names.
The 34-year-old finally put pen-to-paper on a short-term deal earlier this week and with that, finally ended Leeds‘ search for a free agent midfielder.
Guilavogui can cover both in midfield and at centre-back and says Leeds was an opportunity he simply could not turn down.
However, Guilavogui is well aware what his role will be at Leeds and that may not actually involve an awful lot of football.
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Farke on if Guilavogui is available for Leeds
While Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev are out, Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell will undoubtedly be Leeds’ first choice partnership in midfield.
Tanaka was outstanding in Leeds’ win over Watford, while Rothwell has also impressed since coming into the team.
That said, it will be an impossible ask for them to play every minute of every game until Ampadu returns and Saturday’s match at Bristol City could be the first opportunity for Guilavogui to feature.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Farke has confirmed Guilavogui is available for the trip to Ashton Gate, though did warn it has been a long time since he last played.
He said: “He’s available and eligible to play. When you haven’t trained you can’t be there with 100 per cent but has spent a few days with us in team training and with the ball.
“It’s not important right now that he plays many minutes, it’s that he’s there as an additional option and fingers crossed we go on without injuries. To bring him in was necessary, for the pure numbers.”
Farke shares why Leeds chose Guilavogui
Farke repeatedly mentioned during Leeds’ search for a free agent that he wanted someone capable of playing in midfield and the back.
Cheikhou Kouyate, Francis Coquelin and Christoph Kramer were among those linked with moves to Leeds, but in Farke’s eyes, no one fit the bill more than Guilavogui.
He said: “We are all happy and pleased it was possible to bring him in. I spoke about the profile I wanted. It’s always a bit complicated in October. Josh brings quality in the positions we need him, naturally holding midfielder, pretty physical, concentrated, good defensive skills.
“Also played a lot in the centre-back role. He adds a bit of experience to our side and we can do with some experience in the dressing room. He 100 per cent understands his role. Good fitness shape, also totally convinced of taking over this role as emergency case.
“He spoke quite open and honest what we want to see, a bit like a mentor for younger players, help to develop them. Gives us some cover if perhaps a young player is not prepared. This is a guy who will not crack under pressure. In addition, he’s an unbelievable guy.
“In the first days with us you can realise what a great guy he is. He was captain at more or less every team he’s played. He’s speaks Spanish with Mateo, German is possible with him. His English is very well. And he even seems to understand Henry McStay, Irish guy in our medical department.”
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