Интервю с Минейро (на английски)
Hertha has signed another Brazilian international. His full name is Carlos Luciano da Silva, but like many of his compatriots, the 31 year old midfielder has a shorter name -Mineiro. He trained with his new team mates for the first time on Thursday, the morning after Hertha's 5-0 thrashing in Hanover. He will not start the Bundesliga round 20 home game against HSV on Saturday (3.2.07, kick off 3.30 pm), but Falko Götz could play him for half an hour or so. herthabsc.de spoke to Mineiro, read here what he had to say...
herthabsc.de: Mineiro, you have just finished your first training session; what are your first impressions?
Mineiro: I was delighted to be able to train again and my impression of the team is a good one. I have high expectations of myself and the team and I can't wait to become part of it.
You watched Hertha lose 0-5 in Hanover. Did that result shock you?
Mineiro: No. It would be unfair to think of the team in that way. That is football; teams trip up sometimes.
Which goals do you have with your new club?
Mineiro: I have come here to try to take the team forward. My personal goal in every game is to win.
You are 31 years old; why has it taken so long for you to come to Europe?
Mineiro: It wasn't through a lack of offers; I had plenty of them, but nothing really concrete. The problem was that when a concrete offer did come in, I was under contract in Brazil.
What made you choose Hertha?
Mineiro: Hertha watched me as I wasn't playing very well at Sao Paulo, which impressed me. Apart from that, my friend Gilberto told me that a move to Hertha could be a good thing for me.
What did Gilberto have to say?
Mineiro: He said a lot of nice things about the club and told me it would be a big challenge for me. I know that I can't achieve things on my own but with the team.
Are you hoping that if you perform well for Hertha that you can make a return to the Brazilian national team? After all, you were in the squad at the 2006 World Cup finals...
Mineiro: The Selecao is going through an observation period, where a lot of players are being tested. I hope to be back soon although I know that there are a lot of other good players in contention.
Which is your strongest position?
Mineiro: I played all over midfield in Brazil, so I am not worried there. I have to adapt to the German way of playing and reach full fitness. Then Falko Götz will decide where he wants me to play.
Has the number 15 on your shirt any special meaning for you?
Mineiro: No, in Sao Paulo I wore the number 7. Numbers don't matter, only performance counts.
Mineiro, thanks for your time, we wish you every success at Hertha.
Mineiro: I love to play football and I would like to achieve many things with my team mates.