---
title: "Guilbert admits relief at leaving Villa"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2021/02/19/frederic-guilbert-aston-villa-racing-strasbourg-loan/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Crippy Cooke"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2021-02-19T18:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-02-19T18:00:00Z"
---

# Guilbert admits relief at leaving Villa

[Frederic Guilbert joined Racing Strasbourg on a season-long loan](https://readastonvilla.com/2021/02/01/villa-fans-slam-loan-decision-frederic-guilbert-strasbourg/) in January and made his [league debut in Sunday’s 2-1 win over FC Metz](https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2021/february/Loan-round-up-Guilbert-records-crucial-assist/), playing a full 90 minutes and registering an assist.

The 26-year-old opted to leave Aston Villa in the winter transfer window after struggling for playing time under Dean Smith due to Matty Cash’s fine form at right-back.

Guilbert believes he made the right decision for the sake of his career, admitting it had been a “difficult six months” in the Midlands after he returned from a loan spell at SM Caen.

The Frenchman told [La Presse De La Manche](https://actu.fr/sports/football/football-frederic-guilbert-originaire-de-valognes-s-apprete-a-rejouer-en-ligue-1_39475440.html): “I had a difficult last six months at Aston Villa. I was training but I was still on the bench. I had only one desire, and that was to get on the field. At Strasbourg, I have the opportunity to play so I want to show what I’m capable of. I’m starving.

Guilbert made only two appearances for Villa this season ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/frederic-guilbert/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/354352/verein/405)) and spent the majority of the campaign as an unused substitute or out of the matchday squad entirely.

He added: “Strasbourg was the right club to regain playing time. Here, there are really good players. We can do great things with the group. We have ambitions. I want to help the club achieve its goals.”

Guilbert has made two appearances for the Ligue 1 side ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/frederic-guilbert/leistungsdaten/spieler/354352)), losing in the Coup De France to Montpellier on February 10 and beating Metz four days later.

Ironically, he may have had a chance of playing for Villa with Cash suffering a hamstring injury that will keep him out of action for a number of weeks, but Guilbert should focus on doing well back in France.

**READ ASTON VILLA VERDICT**

Guilbert put his career first and sought playing time away from Villa, so fans will be hoping the experience does him good and he can fight for a place next season.