“We can hold our own at BVB”

Maxence Lacroix on the upcoming game at Dortmund and his rich vein of form.

Die Spieler des VfL Wolfsburg bejubeln gemeinsam ihren Treffer.

Maxence Lacroix has experienced highs and lows during his time at VfL Wolfsburg, but this season the French centre-back has blossomed into one of Niko Kovac’s key players and has yet to miss a single minute of action. The 23-year-old sat down with us to discuss VfL’s upcoming visit to Dortmund and his fine recent form.

Maxence, you moved to Wolfsburg in summer 2020. This is your first season at the club without Josuha Guilavogui. What has changed since his departure?

Maxence Lacroix: “It’s a bit sad that Josh is no longer here. He was like a big brother, not just for me but for several of the boys in the team. We practically did everything together. A lot has changed in his absence – for one thing, I’ve taken on more responsibility on the pitch and in the dressing room. You could say I’ve taken on a new role. I’m trying to be a leader.”

Are you still in touch with one another?

Maxence: “Of course! We write to each other on WhatsApp every week. Josh keeps track of all our games and chats with me about my performances, so I’m still benefiting from his experience. He said I’ve performed very well in our first few games this season, which means a great deal.”

VfL-Wolfsburg-Spieler Maxcence Lacroix lacht mit seinem Mitspieler Guilavogui beim Fototermin in die Kamera.

With a pass completion rate of 93.9 percent, you’re currently seventh in the Bundesliga in that particular category. How much does that mean to you?

Maxence: “I didn’t know that, to be honest. I don’t take much notice of statistics, personally, but it’s nice to know. That figure is partly down to the ‘new’ Maxence. I’ve become very self-assured and play a lot of easy passes instead of experimenting.”

You travel to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. How do you rate your chances of beating BVB away in the Bundesliga for the first time in 10 years?

Maxence: “If we want to qualify for Europe, we need to beat teams like Dortmund now and then too. It’s always difficult to win at that stadium – we’re aware of that. But we also know we’re a very good team and can hold our own there. We’ll be prepared.”