If Josip Brekalo were to follow a to-do list, then one point would be constantly at the very top: Work, hard work! "If at 18 years old, you think you are a complete player, then you will never progress," commented the Croatian on Thursday. The attacker is determined to get stuck in at VfB, recommend himself for playing time through training and then during the games do his best to help the team to be as successful as possible.
"An important step"
But Josip Brekalo would have further points on his to-do list too. "Next season I want to play with VfB in the Bundesliga," stated the youngster, who has four Bundesliga appearances for VfL Wolfsburg under his belt. It’s a beginning he intends to build upon. "I am really happy to be in Stuttgart now. It’s a young team that is eager to improve along with a young trainer. This move has been an important step for me," explained the 19-year-old. And VfB head-coach Hannes Wolf was a vital element in the Croatian’s decision to make the move. "I knew the coach had been observing my progression for quite a while. Getting the right support is important for a young player like me," commented the new signing with the number 24 jersey.
Following the transfer, things then went very quickly. Last Wednesday, Brekalo trained with his new team mates for the first time and the following day, he was on the pitch in the shirt with the infamous red hoop for the first time in a friendly test against Stuttgarter Kickers. At the beginning of this week, the new man then made his competitive debut for the Wasenelf, coming on as a 61st minute substitute for Julian Green in the 2-0 win over Fortuna Düsseldorf. In the coming weeks and months, Brekalo is hoping to make an impression on the pitch with his pace and ability in one-on-one situations. And so far, the young attacker has shown some glimpses of just what he is capable of. Hard work will be essential for the Croatian, who has acknowledged: "It’s down to me!"