Carlos Hernandez returns to A-League happiness

After having visa problems delay his arrival, Carlos Hernandez finally made it to Wellington for his much anticipated return to the Hyundai A-league. 

Having been in Wellington for only four months, Hernandez said he is happy with his decision to move and play for the Phoenix.

“I come to Wellington because it is very good, very friendly and I enjoy Wellington, different weather.

“The most important thing is that I’m happy.”

Born in San Jose, Costa Rica, Hernandez in his early days was regarded as one of the most important players in the Primera Division de Costa Rica, where he was the top assister for two seasons.

He then succumbed to injury in the 2006/2007 season and in a bid to regain his former fitness levels he was loaned out to Melbourne Victory.

Having received a high number of negative comments in the press at the start of his first A-League season for Victory in 2007, Hernandez assures us that this season he is more prepared.

“Much better then Victory, I am ready for the season now to hopefully play very good.”

It's a bold statement. Hernandez came into his own for Victory, scoring and assisting innumerable goals, and was awarded the Johnny Warren Medal for season 2009-2010.

After playing for Victory Hernandez received an offer to play for Prayag United S.C in the obscurity of the I-League, which he accepted.

He said the differences between India and New Zealand is one that he is in favour of, having found it difficult playing in the Indian league.

“The difference is the countries, the weather is 42-44 degrees and is hard to play, the level is different.”

The wheels were set in motion to get him back to the A-League when then coach Ricki Herbert contacted him while he was still in India, giving Hernandez an offer he could not refuse. With Herbert now gone, Hernandez is reunited with former Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick, but he is adamant that his season will be different his time under Merrick.

This first thing Hernandez’s wants to achieve is simple.

“For me the first is play good, for the team, the people, enjoy good football and [then also] score goals. “

His dream is to help the team be ranked higher than the 10th they came last season.

“[I want to] win and help us come in the top six, this is my focus now.”

To ensure this goal is achieved Hernandez said that with such a young team, helping the younger boys is something he looks out for. However, he said that with the team staying together when they play away it really brings them together.

“Good the team to stay together because the season is very hard and long and it’s important to be together.”

One thing is for certain, Hernandez will be a player to watch in the A-league this season, with many hoping it will be enough to put the Phoenix’s up the leader board.