Head coach David Wagner has ruled out a move back to the German Bundesliga with interest expressed in him from FC Ingolstadt, and he’s spoken about Cardiff City.
The struggling side from his homeland apparently made contact with Huddersfield counterparts earlier in the month about their vacant position, but with Wagner celebrating his anniversary at the John Smith’s Stadium – whilst he was humbled they expressed the interest – he maintains that the right job for him at the moment is Huddersfield and that’s all he’s focused on.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Post during his pre game press conference ahead of the Cardiff City tie this weekend, he explained.
‘I know about the phone calls that happened, but it was never a doubt for me what will be. My future at the moment is here in Huddersfield, so it was nothing I thought about.’
He went on to explain.
‘There was a contact, phone call or whatever. But then there was only one because I am here on track. This is not the right moment and right club (Ingolstadt) for me. The right club at this moment is Huddersfield Town.’
With media reports – already covered – linking him tentatively with the Aston Villa job prior to their appointment of Steve Bruce, and quite a few others, obviously Wagner’s stock is rising across Europe with the work he’s done with us since he came in, which ahead of this weekend’s fixtures sees us sitting in third place in the Championship table.
No doubt fans will be delighted with his decision to remain.
As for the match this weekend against Neil Warnock’s side, Wagner told the Examiner that his main focus was on keeping a clean sheet, as he knew we had the quality at the other end to return another three points – but having lost three one at Preston, and then five nil at Fulham – a return to defensive strength was key.
‘We cannot close our eyes to the facts. In our last two away games, we conceded eight goals, six to set-pieces. They have scored 14 goals, 11 from set-pieces, which says everything about their strength. We must make sure they can`t use this strength. We must avoid stupid, sloppy mistakes, don`t give set-pieces away too easily. When we do give one away, we must defend in a very focused way with all our energy.’
He went on to clarify that a clean sheet for him would be the right reaction and a step in the right direction again.
‘A clean sheet would be a big step in the right direction for us. With our offensive play, we can create some moments where we hopefully can be clinical. We have to go away and perform in our identity. We want three points and there is no reason why we can`t get them if we are at our highest level.’
As for the opposition, Wagner knew we’d be up for a tough test against Neil Warnock’s side and he was expecting a battle.
‘For sure Neil Warnock is a big character in British football. I came up against him at Rotherham last season, when a draw was a good result for us. The ball will probably be in the air as much as it is on the grass. There are few secrets with his teams. But we are in a position in table where we can have trust and self-belief, and we want to win this game.’
