Freddie Ljungberg insists that he’s not a ‘world star’ and has explained the difference between football in Germany to England.
When the former head of Arsenal’s academy, Andries Jonker, was named Wolfsburg captain, he took Ljungberg with him at the Swede’s request.
Since, the two have faced a relegation battle, which the Bundesliga team narrowly escaped after beating Eintracht Braunschweig 2-0 in the play-offs, and can now look forward to an entire season with Wolfsburg.
“We have more time to prepare. For the players, it was not easy to get used to the third coach in one season,” Ljungberg told Wolfsburger Allgemeine.
“You get a very different perspective as a coach. But it helps me, of course, to be in the past, players have been. I enjoy it, to stand on the square.”
Ljungberg also spoke about how younger players now choosing to move to other countries to gain experience.
One such example of a young player who’s moved to another country to develop their career is Kaylen Hinds, who recently signed a three-year deal with Wolfsburg after growing up in Islington.
It’s a bold step and an admirable one at that.
“The players are working very hard, not only in the higher Teams. And the pace is very high,” Ljungberg said.
“You are here to learn a new language and a new League. I am happy that the players are open.”
Ljungberg has promised Arsenal that if a coaching role opens up in north London and they need him, he’ll leave his post as Wolfsburg’s assistant.
However, at the moment, the former player isn’t in the frame to become the next Arsenal boss once Arsene Wenger’s contract runs out in two year’s time.
“London and Wolfsburg are a bit different,” said the 40-year-old.
“I have not yet seen much of the city. There was no time. But I enjoy the nature. And the people here are really friendly.
“I’m not a world star, I’m a normal person and enjoy my life in Wolfsburg.”
He added, “I’m trying to improve myself as a coach. I’m told what I’m doing right and wrong. I learn every day. I’m an open person.”
Ljungberg was at Arsenal for nine years under Wenger and was one of the Gunners’ famous Invincibles who won the league unbeaten in 2003/2004. He made 216 appearances and scored 46 goals while in north London before heading east to West Ham in 2007.
Less then 10 years later, he returned to Colney to coach Arsenal’s u15s before joining Jonkers at Wolfsburg.