Emotional ex-FCA captain
Jeffrey Gouweleeuw was emotionally upset after his strong comeback in the starting eleven at FC Augsburg. The 32-year-old Dutchman was extremely happy about his first win of the season in the Bundesliga and his valuable contribution to Saturday’s 2-1 win against bottom-placed 1. FSV Mainz 05. But mixed in with his joy was also some anger about how he was treated during the game past months.
The former captain, who has been wearing the FCA jersey since 2016, complained that “just rubbish” was reported about him. “A lot was said and a lot was written, including a lot that just wasn’t right. “It all surprised me a bit,” said Gouweleeuw. “The moment will come when I come with my story,” he announced.
The long-time defense chief gave up his captaincy in the summer. “That was my own decision,” he said in the Augsburg stadium. In addition, his contract, which expires at the end of the season, will not be extended in the wake of Augsburg’s upheaval. The central defender missed the start of the season after an operation on his foot. Now he is fit again and is suddenly back on the pitch. He is needed after conceding too many goals at the start of the season. “I always believed in it,” said Gouweleeuw.
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Especially when he was outnumbered after the red card for Arne Engels (20), Gouweleeuw organized and stabilized the previously so holey FCA defense in the second half. There was immediate special praise from coach Enrico Maaßen: “You have to say about Jeff’s performance: Chapeau! He was the rock in the surf.” And on our own behalf you will also hear about Gouweleeuw.
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