Yannick Gerhardt reports back at VfL Wolfsburg. He is one reason why New coach Florian Kohfeldt‘s team can once again define itself by intensity and stability.
No, until matchday 9 Yannick Gerhardt could not really be satisfied with his season. Under former coach Mark van Bommel, he was used almost exclusively as a left-back, if at all. “It was,” admits Gerhardt, “a difficult phase for me.” Which changed abruptly with the change of coach in Wolfsburg. Florian Kohfeldt ordered Gerhardt not only directly into the starting eleven, but also into the centre of midfield. That is where the strong team player feels at home. “He also gives the team good defensive stability and balance in an offensive position,” said the new coach, explaining his choice.
Back on track for success with the “basics “
Gerhardt does not disappoint him. And notes with satisfaction: “I came in, we won three times, that gives you confidence.” Which has grown within a week. Three games, three wins under Kohfeldt, even without footballing brilliance, VfL is back on track for success. Because, according to Gerhardt, “the basics” are right. “The word intensity comes up a lot,” says the 27-year-old, explaining the current turnaround. “That’s what has distinguished us over the last few years. The mentality against the ball, we got away from that a bit, regardless of the coach” The new coach “has put the focus back on those values. “
And on Gerhardt, who stands for these very virtues. The former Cologne player emphasises the importance of the basics for the VfL game and has great role models: “You can see it in the top teams like Liverpool or Bayern. There, the players are also not too shy to make the way for the other.” Gerhardt wants to do that in the future, too. Where? No question about it: “If the coach puts me in a central position, I won’t complain.