Red or Dead Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 (edited) Germano loving life in 'paradise' Tuesday, 19 March 2013 10:21 AM Life in Australia seems to agree with Melbourne Heart midfielder Jonatan Germano. The 25-year-old Argentine arrived in Melbourne almost two years ago for a trial with the fledgling club, which was just a few months removed from its maiden A-League season. Speaking to Germano, his fondness for his new home is clear. He has an affinity for Australia where football can mean four different things, because - growing up in the small Argentine city of San Nicolas - Germano only ever had one choice. "From when you're a child, you're exposed to playing football out on the streets - it's the only thing you want to do growing up in a small city," he said. "You just spend all your time with a ball, out on the streets, at home, in the lounge room - everywhere." Germano sounds well and truly settled in his adopted home, and cites the relatively low crime rate as one of the reasons he is happy to be here with his girlfriend and young son. "It's like a paradise," he said. "You don't have to worry when you walk down the street thinking someone's going to rob you, which happens in Argentina. "You don't have to think about what you're wearing, and think about dressing down to suit the environment you're in. It's a paradise for family life." Germano is part of the A-League's new wave of Argentine talent, starring Adelaide United duo Marcelo Carrusca and Jeronimo Neumann and featuring Melbourne Victory forward Marcos Flores. Germano, Carrusca and Jeronimo all spent time together at Argentine club Estudiantes before forging their paths overseas, and their bond has become stronger now they are each plying their trade in the A-League. "When I was at Estudiantes, I was in the youth team and Carrusca was in the first team," Germano said. "I knew him to say hello to, but we didn't cross paths much because I was still in the junior team and we didn't train at the same time. "Now that we're both here in Australia, there's a friendship there. "Jeronimo was in the first team too, we only played a couple of practice matches against each other, but since moving here we've become closer and we'll have a bit of a chat after games. "I don't have any extra rivalry with the Argentine boys. For me, it doesn't matter what nationality they are. My goal is just to win for my team." Perhaps the compatriot he's closest to, however, is Flores. Although they play on opposite sides of what is an intense club rivalry, Germano and the Victory man put their footballing differences aside to socialise. "I catch up with Flores - being in the same city makes it convenient," Germano said. "We catch up for coffee, a meal and talk about life in general." Germano rates Flores as one of the more difficult assignments in the A-League, ranking him alongside Carrusca and Brisbane's Thomas Broich as some of tougher opponents. But when quizzed on who the best player he has come up against is, Germano barely hesitates. "Del Piero," he said grinning. "He's strong, you can't knock him knock him off the ball easy. "He thinks 10 seconds ahead. He knows where to find space - how to hit it, where to hit it. It's very difficult to get the ball off him once he's in control." Germano spent four years at Estudiantes, with loan spells in Croatia and Paraguay along the way, and said his time there was instrumental in his development. The midfielder said Diego Simeone - who was in charge of Estudiantes when he signed - was one of the more influential coaches he has had the privilege of working with, and tipped Heart boss John Aloisi to have a distinguished managerial career. "Simeone is one of the coaches who had a big impact on my career. He gave me my first opportunity as a first-team player, I spent a year under him," he said. "John Aloisi will be a big coach. He brings a lot of what he had as a player into football and a lot of things he's learned. He'll have a really good coaching career." And Germano wants to be around to see Aloisi realise that potential and lead the Heart up the A-League standings, saying the Heart faithful are yet to see his best football. "I'm content, but I'm disappointed by a few injuries and setbacks I've had," he said. "I believe I can go a lot further than what I've been able to show this season." http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/germano-loving-life-in--paradise-/63049 Edited March 19, 2013 by Red or Dead 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red or Dead Posted March 19, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 Give this man a contract extension! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belaguttman Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 It's interesting and insightful for us that all the players rate JA as a coach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bozza Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 Because they're totally going to come out and say he's shit. That will definitely get him a start and 90 minutes 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baresi Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 Can we just offer him a two year contract already... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heart_fan10 Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 need to re-sign him asap. He's a great player and seems settled and comfortable in melbourne which is very important for foreign players to be able to perform well and keep improving. IMO he's one of the most skillful players we have in the team, as his first touch, crossing, passing, shooting, use of non-preferred foot, heading, is at quite a high level (better than some players in the league who are on 200k+ a season), and is exactly at what should be expected at a-league level and as a professional footballer. Unfortunately he's had an interupted season with his injury which had him out for pretty much half of the season, but there's no doubt we look much better with him in the midfield. He's a a very good age, and should be hitting his peak soon while also being able to improve. A very handy player to have nonetheless, and especially since he's on low wages, we'd be stupid not to re-sign him because there's not many of players like him going around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexiano Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 I heard (from someone on post-match) that he'd been re-signed. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mulhollanddrive Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 You know what, it is actually re-assuring that an international player has given JA some positivity. I'm still hoping there's going to be the same improvement in his 2nd year like JVS. Germano is in a good age bracket and hope he sticks around, has a bit of flair that is hard to find. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mus-28 Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 Should be the 1st name on the teamsheet every week. Does the 1%ers that go un-noticed a lot of the time, chasing the ball everyone else thinks is a lost cause, closing down space, pushing onto the ball carrier, etc. Unfortunately he's had to play with a midfield that has been sub-par this season. I would love to see him in the middle with Richie and Meeuwis to see how they go. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duchess Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 tl;dr germano is easily one of our best players and should be signed up as long as possible. even bumped into down near flinders last year and he was happy to have a chat despite not speaking very good english at the time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunheart Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 Sign him to another year or two. Put Paddy G in the mid with him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dylan Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 (edited) Club legend and he is only like 25 right? what a find. I reckon he will be with us for years Edited March 19, 2013 by Dylan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jw1739 Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 He is 25 and a couple of months. I would guess that the article on him is the prelude to an announcement that he has re-signed. Don't think there's much doubt that we'd benefit from having a settled first-choice midfield so that the players can develop an understanding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrAiDaN66 Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 It would be nice to finally have a settled player 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeartinHobart Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 It would be nice to finally have a settled player Exactly. If his joined by Walker, Vrankovic, Redmayne, Gerhardt and Gol Gol as Heart players for the next 3 to 4 years. They'd make up a real strong core group of players all with plenty of football in front of them. A group that could have a lot of success at our club. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrAiDaN66 Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 Put perfectly, a strong core group of players that are here for years on end is what we crave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tranerz21 Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 If the club havent resigned him yet, they should definitely do it soon coz he has been one of the best players for the club this season Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shahanga Posted November 18, 2013 Report Share Posted November 18, 2013 Time for a bump, given the number of comments about JG on other topics. Difficult to imagine Germano still being at the club once Engleaar returns from injury. Basically I think "we" hoped he would come good with an injury free pre-season but all that happened was that he got injured again. With a perpetual 3 weeks till he's back the only saving grace is his minimal salary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caddy Posted November 18, 2013 Report Share Posted November 18, 2013 Wow, all the optimism in this thread. Sad times. Germano is gone unless he makes a dramatic recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belaguttman Posted November 18, 2013 Report Share Posted November 18, 2013 Time for a bump, given the number of comments about JG on other topics. Difficult to imagine Germano still being at the club once Engleaar returns from injury. Basically I think "we" hoped he would come good with an injury free pre-season but all that happened was that he got injured again. With a perpetual 3 weeks till he's back the only saving grace is his minimal salary. The problem is that if they release him there'll be pressure from the fans to sign another foreign player and he will likely cost more money than we are paying Germano. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Braveheart Posted November 18, 2013 Report Share Posted November 18, 2013 Is this bloke any danger of kicking a ball in danger ever again?Forgotten he was even on the books tbh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LR9 Posted November 18, 2013 Report Share Posted November 18, 2013 Time for a bump, given the number of comments about JG on other topics. Difficult to imagine Germano still being at the club once Engleaar returns from injury. Basically I think "we" hoped he would come good with an injury free pre-season but all that happened was that he got injured again. With a perpetual 3 weeks till he's back the only saving grace is his minimal salary. The problem is that if they release him there'll be pressure from the fans to sign another foreign player and he will likely cost more money than we are paying Germano. That would be Migliorini signing on full-time.. (Other 4, Mifsud, Engelaar, Wieleart, Gerhardt) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heart_fan10 Posted November 18, 2013 Report Share Posted November 18, 2013 always liked germano as a player, when he's fit he's one of our best and is very versatile It's a difficult situation because of his injuries. I don't think the club will release him right now because we simply don't have enough money at the moment to be paying off players and signing new ones in the hope they will be better. Even more difficult if he returns from injury and gets back to his good form that saw him a regular in the starting 11, and considering the wages he's on it's hard to find players of that quality to be playing on minimum wage. He's still at a fairly good age and has plenty of football left in him, despite having a few injuries lately. Also he isn't too far away from being considered a non-visa player (i think), so maybe that's something else to consider Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gundam Posted November 18, 2013 Report Share Posted November 18, 2013 Can sell him for $400k-$600k on football manager when the Argentinean clubs come calling. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingofhearts Posted November 18, 2013 Report Share Posted November 18, 2013 What was this bloke doing all off-season? Last season he struggled to get fit, surely during the off-season he would've tried to get his body into shape? The bloke didn't even play one-preseason game from memory, this 'injury' is quite clearly something more serious Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perthheart Posted November 18, 2013 Report Share Posted November 18, 2013 He played in the first game in Perth in pre season and was fat, unfit and fucking shite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadete Posted November 18, 2013 Report Share Posted November 18, 2013 Is this bloke any danger of kicking a ball in danger ever again? Forgotten he was even on the books tbh The Hartman of the A League. He played in the first game in Perth in pre season and was fat, unfit and fucking shite. Sounds like Peter Sumich when he was made to find some form at Souf. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jw1739 Posted November 18, 2013 Report Share Posted November 18, 2013 (edited) According to Wikipedia has played in 54 senior games since 2007 - 35 of those with Heart. Not exactly an impressive record. But he's just one player who brings the focus back on to our record with injuries and WTF we use our off-season for. Edited November 18, 2013 by jw1739 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedukeofhearts Posted November 18, 2013 Report Share Posted November 18, 2013 According to Wikipedia has played in 54 senior games since 2007 - 35 of those with Heart. No exactly an impressive record. But he's just one player who brings the focus back on to our record with injuries and WTF we use our off-season for. I like germano, but it is a concern. pointless having a guy that's always injured or trying to get to full fitness. I think if he doesn't get fit soon and STAYS fit then he has to go ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexandro Posted November 19, 2013 Report Share Posted November 19, 2013 According to Wikipedia has played in 54 senior games since 2007 - 35 of those with Heart. No exactly an impressive record. But he's just one player who brings the focus back on to our record with injuries and WTF we use our off-season for. I like germano, but it is a concern. pointless having a guy that's always injured or trying to get to full fitness. I think if he doesn't get fit soon and STAYS fit then he has to go ! Or cut him loose now. This kind of "give them yet another chance on top of all the ones they've already had" way of thinking is why we are at the bottom of the ladder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shahanga Posted November 19, 2013 Report Share Posted November 19, 2013 Well my dream would be to release him and sign Tommy Rogic on loan for the rest of the season. Ok it would cost more than the tight arse heart budget, but Tommy might well attract a sponsor too so that would help. Rogic needs the game time and we need a classy #10 who is available every week. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caddy Posted November 21, 2013 Report Share Posted November 21, 2013 (edited) 13.Jonatan GERMANO (Hamstring – 1-2 weeks) After 6 weeks he's finally progressed from 3 to 1-2 weeks. Good times. Edited November 21, 2013 by Caddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malloy Posted November 21, 2013 Report Share Posted November 21, 2013 So realistically he has another 6 - 12 weeks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Libero Posted November 21, 2013 Report Share Posted November 21, 2013 at best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n i k o Posted November 21, 2013 Report Share Posted November 21, 2013 He's dead weight, should have been gotten rid of ages ago Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marn11 Posted November 21, 2013 Report Share Posted November 21, 2013 Never visa quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shahanga Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 Never visa quality. An interesting statement. My idea of visa quality is "better than what we can get locally". In his first season, after a slow start, he showed signs he might be just that. By the end of the season he was playing well and making us all take notice. Not socceroos material, but good enough to get a run in any side in the comp i reckon (more or less). You could argue a player like that would be hard to sign locally. Last year he was injured for half of it, then came out and looked abominable. Supported by a manager with more faith then sense, he stayed in the side and eventually lifted from terrible to mediocre by season's end. On the promise of that first season he was re-signed, seemingly on the basis that he'd be better if he had a decent pre-season. At present the only possibly reason you would pay him out early (this is what I assume happens when you "release" a player) is so we can sign someone else. We desperately need a fit, classy #10, but these are hard to find and not cheap. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n i k o Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 (edited) I agree, fully fit he would be very good for us. Problem is by being constantly injured for so long he's taking up space in the squad so he needs to be replaced by someone that will be readily available to play. Edited November 22, 2013 by n i k o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jw1739 Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 Germano is a perfect example of a series of poor recruitment and re-signing decisions that the club has made. We did the right thing at the start be giving him a month's trial, and he came though that well. His first season was fine, but as Shahanga says, the second was a shocker. It was clear that he had some longer-term injury potential, and on that basis he should not have been re-signed. The club seems to have a blind spot when it comes to looking at things on a trend basis. Overall, it is not a good idea to sign players with a history of injuries. Yes, you may get it right sometimes - for example Garcia - but on the balance of probabilities you won't. We do the same thing with on-field performance. Over-analyse the latest game and pay insufficient attention to the trend. We are persisting with a style of play, and with out-of-form players in unsuitable positions in this insane belief that if we repeat the same things for long enough then the results will go our way. We are at a very low point, and quite frankly I think we deserve to be there because we have made a series of poor management decisions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shahanga Posted November 23, 2013 Report Share Posted November 23, 2013 Honestly its only recently we have re-signed players with injury potential - early on we let a number walk eg Sarkies, Zahra etc. I don't have a huge problem with the club signing say 1 player per season who they have injury concerns about, especially if the upside on that player is huge, but with a squad of 23 you can't have too many and even more so if you train on a cow paddock. This year we have at least 4 you'd worry about (Kewell, Mehbratu, Kisnorbo & Germano). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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