Year spent in Germany gave Hearts' Jose that winning mentality

Published on Thursday 12 November 2009 08:35

THE rejuvenation of Jose Goncalves this season has given Hearts supporters, manager Csaba Laszlo and the player himself immense satisfaction.

According to the defender, his new-found consistency can be attributed to injury problems subsiding and a refreshed mental approach since last year's loan spell in Germany.

Goncalves' assured displays in central defence have been a feature of Hearts' campaign to date. He has formed a useful partnership alongside the Algerian internationalist Ismael Bouzid which has helped compensate for Marius Zaliukas' absence, not to mention the departures of Christos Karipidis and Christophe Berra earlier this year.

The Portuguese cites his 12-month loan at FC Nuremberg as the catalyst for this prosperity. Having grown up in Switzerland after being born in Lisbon, he managed to assimilate with the German mentality easily and compares it with being "back home". However, Nuremberg opted not to invoke their option to sign him permanently and he returned to Hearts in July hoping to re-establish himself.

At the time opinions were dividied on his ability as a raft of injury problems and erratic form had hindered his progress prior to the loan move. But Goncalves, 21, has confounded the critics. So much so that the old chant of "Jose, Jose" – initially lent to his namesake Quitongo more than ten years ago – has received a few recent airings in the Tynecastle stands.

"I feel good this year and that's why I can play at my best," said the defender. "The time I spent in Germany was a very important time in my career. I was very happy over there and I'm happy being back and playing well. I felt like I was back home because it's the same mentality. German and Swiss is very similar. I think I had to go away to change my mind and to have a new challenge. This new motivation helped me and when you have that you can progress.

"When I started playing football I never had injuries, only some small things like everyone else. When I came to Hearts I was very unlucky with my fitness and I was also very frustrated because I could not give my best. I wanted to play well so it was not a good situation.

"In time you learn and you become more mature. Sometimes you have to lose to win, this is what happened with me. I went away to Germany. Maybe some people thought that because I went to the second division that I lost. But in my head I won, and I won the fight against the injuries. I started to progress and this is so important to me."

Goncalves' return also proved timely for Laszlo, who began the season seeking to fill the voids left by Berra and Karipidis. Zaliukas' suspension for the first four domestic fixtures further complicated an already difficult situation for the manager.

He turned to Goncalves and the faith has been rewarded. "I'm very thankful to the manager, he gave me confidence and put me into the team," he continued.

"I feel very comfortable in the central defence position. I've played with Ismael Bouzid and we understand each other. I'm enjoying playing beside him.

"The manager shows that everyone who works hard will play under him. He is a great manager and I'm grateful for what he has done for me. All the players can see what he is doing for them."

Worship from supporters is an added bonus, especially after the inauspicious start to life at Hearts. "It's great. After all the things that have happened to me I am very thankful to the fans. I didn't have a very good time at the start because of the injuries. They were always behind me and they always showed me support. I can see they are happy and they believe in my ability. This gives me more and more confidence."

Goncalves is now in the final year of his contract and intends to leave the club when the season ends. Since a 700,000 transfer from Switzerland's FC Thun almost four years ago, he has experienced the exhilaration of Scottish Cup success and a Champions League qualifying place as well as the lows that have afflicted Hearts during Vladimir Romanov's tenure.

Before he departs for good, there is some unfinished business to attend to. Hearts require some inspiration to facilitate a climb up the league table and there is the small matter of a Co-operative Cup semi-final against St Mirren in February.

"We have to improve in the league. For that we do not have to rush," said Goncalves. "We are playing good football but we need more goals. For that we have to believe and work harder, then we will begin to win more games. If we show more commitment like we did on Saturday against Hibs, we can beat any team in this league. We have shown it against Celtic and a lot of other teams.

"I want Hearts to get better in the league because we have not started very well. We have to stay positive and carry on. If we can get better in the league, we also have a massive chance in the cup. I hope to take this chance and go to the final."