Hard battles, embraces and final frontiers
HUDDERSFIELD Town head coach David Wagner felt pure emotion as the Terriers clinched Premier League survival at Chelsea last season – despite not being able to breathe!
That was because of his exuberant assistant, Christoph Buhler, who jumped on the boss as the final whistle blew at Stamford Bridge.
Wagner reflected on the incredible achievement and the emotions of the day in Town’s season review DVD ‘From a Dream to Reality’, which is now available from the Town megastore for £12.
On the scenes in West London, Wagner said: “Christoph hugged me and I couldn’t breathe in this situation so I first of all gave him a look that he gives me some space and afterwards it was pure emotion, pure celebration and a great atmosphere on the grass.
“I have seen so many happy faces and I have seen some tears as well, so there was everything there.
“Of course, it was great in the dressing room, one of the best times I have had in this football club.
“Afterwards were some unbelievable celebrations, as well as in the night after, and this was one of the most exciting, most funny, lovely, amazing days and nights I have ever had as a manager.”
Chairman Dean Hoyle picked out the fans for a special mention after the role they played at Chelsea, and the season as a whole.
He said: “The fans deserve a special mention. They have been nothing short of outstanding.
“I will say it again, the cliché about the 12th man, our fans have been the 12th man.
“I also believe the guys have got us over the line this season, especially at home, and away from home they have been magnificent.
“At Chelsea away they sang non-stop, all game, and for me, the unity, I am so proud.
“The proudest chairman in the Premier League.” HUDDERSFIELD Town were beaten 3-1 by Leicester City at the weekend as David Wagner’s men were condemned to the foot of the Premier League table.
Town’s fourth league defeat of the season sent them bottom of the table – with Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley and Liverpool on the horizon for the Terriers. Here are some moments you may have missed from Saturday’s clash... LEICESTER City manager Claude Puel believes the Foxes were lucky not to go 2-1 down against Huddersfield Town at the weekend.
Laurent Depoitre broke through Leicester’s defence after Mathias ‘Zanka’ Jorgensen and Kelechi Iheanacho had scored at either end, but the Belgium international could BEN Chilwell featured against Huddersfield Town for the second time since his eight-game loan spell with the Terriers in 2015/16.
The 21-year-old had a solid game on the left of Leicester’s defence and kept Elias Kachunga quiet throughout the clash.
Before the first whistle, however, there was an embrace between the defender and Town head coach, David Wagner, who brought the youngster to the club in November not convert in a one-on-one situation with keeper Kasper Schmeichel to put the visitors ahead.
It was in fact a last-ditch Harry Maguire tackle which denied Depoitre, despite referee David Coote pointing for a goalkick after the second-half incident.
Minutes later James Maddison put the Foxes ahead before Jamie Vardy sealed the tie for the hosts, leaving Town forward to lament his earlier 2015 after just one first-team match for the Foxes.
Chilwell’s career has gone from strength to strength since the short-term loan move, having gained his first England cap over the last international break.
The left-back clearly appreciates Wagner’s move for him and that showed with the hug ahead of kickoff. THE celebrity fans were out in force on Saturday, with some of Leicester and Town’s most famous supporters present at the King Power Stadium.
Sir Patrick Stewart was there to cheer on the Terriers at the weekend, while 2003 Rugby Union World Cupwinning captain Martin Johnson was also at the ground.
The former England coach played for the Leicester Tigers throughout his 16-year career, with their Welford Road home just a missed opportunity. And Puel knows his side were lucky not to be punished by Depoitre when Rajiv van La Parra set the striker bearing down on goal in the 62nd minute.
He said: “Huddersfield nearly scored a second goal, which was tough. We were lucky in this situation, but I am happy of course about the strength of character my team showed in this situation.
“We scored three fantastic goals and stone’s throw from the King Power. The former rugby player headed home the happier of the two fans, with stage and screen star Stewart having to trek home empty-handed. ALEX Pritchard was introduced into the game in the 71st minute by head coach David Wagner. The creative midfielder replaced Terence Kongolo on the pitch as Town pushed for an equaliser in the east midlands. And although the 25-year-old could not create a clear-cut opportunity for the Terriers, the travelling support gave him a large cheer as he entered the arena. Some may have liked to have seen Pritchard used earlier in the clash, but his introduction only came after Town were trailing to the 2015/16 Premier League champions.
The left-back clearly appreciates Wagner’s move for him, and that showed with a hug
I very happy about this. We know we need to be better at the start of the game, as it can be difficult mentally coming back from a goal down.”
Expanding on the start to the match, the Frenchman said: “I was not happy at the beginning of the game, to concede another first goal against Huddersfield.
“We knew it was going to be tough playing against this team as they sit deep with 11 men behind the ball.