VfL Wolfsburg star Guro Bergsvand talks all things UWCL, her ‘late bloomer’ label and Bundesliga aims | OneFootball

Norway international Guro Bergsvand is a fairly new arrival in the German Bundesliga and the UWCL but her whole career had led her to inevitable European heights. With over 40 appearances for her country along with seven goals, the powerful defender is looking to add silverware to her Toppserien title in 2021.

Having signed to VfL Wolfsburg from Women’s Super League side Brighton shortly before the new season, Bergsvand is proving to be a clever acquisition by Die Wölfinnen boss’ Stephan Lerch. Wolfsburg currently sit 7th in the UWCL table above sides like Juventus and current champions Arsenal.

The German side will face Manchester United next in Europe’s elite competition looking to break into the automatic qualifying positions. Wolfsburg have already produced positive results against Paris Saint-Germain beating the French side 4-0 and a comfortable win over Norwegian side Vålerenga.

“I decided quickly”

In May 2025 Brighton announced that five players would be leaving the WSL side, one of those was Bergsvand. “I was thinking I would go into the summer and look at different options, but then Wolfsburg came along” The defender confirmed.

There’s no shame in claiming a leap in quality comparing Brighton with UWCL regulars Wolfburg but Bergsvand admits the Bundesliga is still growing all the time. “There’s not really anything like the WSL, its competitiveness. The Bundesliga, here in Germany, it’s really good and it’s getting better and better all the time”.

As when any player has a club of the magnitude that VfL Wolfsburg have, it’s likely an easy decision for the person to make. “It was a great opportunity for me” She confirmed. “I decided fairly quickly, I wanted to come here and play for this team.” Bergsvand clarified.

Preparation for the UWCL

Having spent two seasons in the WSL, Bergsvand has faced Wolfsburg’s next UWCL opposition Manchester United on many occasions. “I think now there is a little bit of a ‘new’ Manchester United. They have a lot of depth in their squad” Bergsvand continued “They have a bit more variation in their playing style. Before, to me, they’ve always been solid. Not letting teams create a lot of chances against them.” Bergsvand clarified.

The last time Bergsvand played against ‘United in the WSL it ended 1-1 with Bergsvand seeing out the full-game in a centre-back role.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: Guro Bergsvand of Brighton & Hove Albion. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)

“I think they have some individual quality that we need to be very aware of”. The Norwegian defender admitted. “We need to be clinical against them, we need to put away the chances that we get. A team like ‘United we need to limit their strikers and try to disrupt what they’re good at. It’ll be a challenge for us but we’re definitely up for it”. She clarified.

Wolfsburg have no shortage of UWCL heritage

Wolfsburg have no shortage of success in the UWCL under their belt. Die Wölfinnen last won the competition in 2014 after also winning the previous iteration in 2013. The Bundesliga side have since come close to their former campaigns, finishing runner-up on four separate occasions, as recent as their 2023 final loss to Barcelona.

“Every year Wolfsburg wants to to the best and compete” Bergsvand acknowledged. “Not only to be a strong competitor in the competition but to try and win. Every time we go out we want to win the game and believe we can.”

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – OCTOBER 19: Guro Bergsvand of VfL Wolfsburg (C) celebrates the fifth goal with her team mates during the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen Women’s and VfL Wolfsburg Women’s at Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion on October 19, 2025 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images for DFB)

“I think football has changed” Bergsvand theorises when challenged on the level of quality throughout European women’s football. “It’s more competitive than it’s ever been. That’s something that I think we need to adapt to.”

That being said, there is still no shortage of belief in this Wolfsburg player that they have enough. “We have a strong team, and every single game, we go out to win. The ambition is there, the goal is always to win. I think if we get a favourable ride and if we play well like we can, we can do really well in this competition.” Having won the Toppserien in 2021 with former team SK Brann, Bergsvand knows what it takes to win at the highest level.

Is Bergsvand truly a late-bloomer?

It’s decidedly rare for a player to break into an international set-up in their mid-to late twenties. Despite that Guro Bergsvand didn’t break into the Norway set-up until after her 27th birthday. “People do like to say that I’m a ‘late-bloomer'” Guro laughs off the label before she continued. “In terms of my identity for the national team, yes… but I’ve always wanted to to get better, that’s always been the mission” she proudly clarified.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 07: Guro Bergsvand of Norway signs an autograph (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)

“I feel like yes, my debut [for Norway] was late, but the same passion I felt before that, I feel the same now. I feel like I’m recognised for that and earning opportunities to play in the WSL and now here at Wolfsburg, playing in the Champions League. “She elaborated.

“I’m just very, very grateful and still I’m the same, I want to improve and there’s still room and I have many years ahead of me. I’m very privileged and happy to be where I am now.” Bergsvand summaraised.

What comes next for Guro Bergsvand and VfL Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg will host WSL side Manchester United on the 19th November 2025 in the UWCL in a bid to qualify automatically to the next round of the competition.

Shortly after Wolfburg will travel to Leipzig on the 23rd November to face the Red Bull side in the Frauen Bundesliga as they chase Bayern Munich from 2nd in the table.

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