Macarthur FC coach Mile Sterjovski has singled out praise for the club’s marquee signing, Valere Germain, hailing the Frenchman as a “leader” ahead of the Bulls’ clash against Western United at home on Saturday.
The former Ligue 1 striker opened his A-League account with a finely struck goal in a 2-1 win away to the Mariners last weekend, having previously netted three times as many games in the AFC Cup. The 33-year-old looms as one of the players to stop this season but Sterjovski believes the new signing is only just beginning to show his pedigree as he settles into life in south-west Sydney.
“I am very happy with the way he’s settled in and adapted to life in Sydney and the Bulls,” Sterjovski said. “He is a great character around the team, he leads by example and he’s a great professional. He’s scored some goals already and we hope that continues.”
In just his second start in the competition, Germain wore the captain’s armband of his new club in the absence of skipper Ulises Davila in Gosford who was rested amid the hefty travel schedule and volume of games. Having the seeming luxury of a week between games, Sterjovski admits he faces a difficult choice with selection given the form of his players, including midfielder Jake Hollman as well as the trio of wingers; Jed Drew, Raphael and Ali Auglah.
“We have a big squad and a squad that we can rely on. Sometimes there are a few headaches but these are headaches every coach would like,” Sterjovski. “We want to be competitive in every game.”
Western United travel to Campbelltown on the back of a 5-0 defeat to Western Sydney Wanderer, however Sterjovski doesn’t believe that result is reflective of the potential threat of the Victorians under the guidance of his former Socceroo teammates, John Aloisi.
“I don’t look at the scoreline because we watched their game and I thought they were a strong team. Regardless of the scoreline, they did some great things, they are a good team and they are well coached,” Sterjovski said.
Bulls players Danny De Silva and Matt Jurman have resumed training with the team after their respective hamstring and calf injuries, but remain doubtful to take to the field on Saturday afternoon.
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