"Gouda-Guardiola" Simonis speaks to media following debut Bundesliga win | OneFootball

VfL Wolfsburg coach Paul Simonis spoke to the media after the club defeated 1. FC Heidenheim by 3-1 at the Voith-Arena in his Bundesliga debut match on Saturday.

When asked to give an overall summary of Wolfsburg's performance, the 40-year-old Dutchman said: “I think that overall, we dominated a lot, we were quite comfortable on the ball. We created the better chances, but you always know with Heidenheim that they have so much passion and power - they showed it once more in this match.”

“There were some moments where we had a little bit of luck, especially in the first half just before the break. Obviously the goal, and after that, the cross was missed by inches. So we were quite lucky as well, from time to time”, Simonis added.

Regarding the impact of Swedish midfielder Mattias Svanberg and Algerian striker Mohamed Amoura, Simonis said to the media: “I think Mattias [Svanberg] and Mo [Amoura] had a great performance. They found periods [of the match] where the spaces were slightly larger, and with those two players, you have more speed up front, a little more direct play.”

He was asked about the transfer rumours circling Amoura, and responded, “You never know what happens in the transfer window - obviously, I hope that Mo stays, but we will see what happens.”

Teams such as SL Benfica have shown interest and sent offers to VfL Wolfsburg, but nothing has materialised in terms of a deal - the transfer window closes next week, shortly after the next match finishes.

Regarding the nickname that the German media have given him, ‘Gouda-Guardiola’, Simonis answered this question with a joke: “I was already bald before Guardiola was bald - so he adapted to me, I think…”

He praised Guardiola's style of coaching and particularly the impressive performances of the 54-year-old Spaniard's FC Barcelona sides: “Obviously, one of the best coaches in the world, so it is always nice when they [the media] compare you with him. But it is only an optical thing - I think that I can learn much more to become a trainer with his status. Nevertheless, he is an inspiring coach - I am a big fan of Barcelona as well, and during the time that he was a coach there, I stayed at home, watched the matches from the first minute to the last, and I think he was inspiring as well.”

“There are a lot of good coaches in the world and you always open your eyes and ears to learn from everyone - but also from him, definitely”, he finished.

The ‘Gouda-Guardiola’ question was subsequently followed by the media asking him who his coaching role model was, whether it was a role model growing up or in recent years. “I think it is my youth academy coach, Peter van der Veen. When I was still a kid, he was a really respectful academy coach, I learned a lot from him. I think he is one of the best coaches when it comes to making a team”, Simonis said.

“Furthermore, I learned a lot from Kees van Wonderen, and [Marcelo] Bielsa, I really love Bielsa”, Simonis added.

In all matches (including friendlies), Simonis is 3-0-4 in charge of VfL Wolfsburg; in competitive matches with the club, he is 2-0-0. He will look to go two-for-two in the Bundesliga, as VfL Wolfsburg faces 1. FSV Mainz 05 next Sunday at the Volkswagen Arena; kickoff is set for 15.30 (CET).