1. Overview
Alfred Jermaniš (born 21 January 1967) is a Slovenian retired professional footballer who played as a midfielder, and later became a football coach. Jermaniš is celebrated as a pivotal figure in early Slovenian football, known for his impactful club career across Slovenia, Japan, Austria, and Cyprus, and his significant contributions to the nascent Slovenia national team. He notably won two Slovenian PrvaLiga titles with Olimpija and Gorica, underscoring his success at the domestic level. As a dedicated player who consistently returned to and concluded his career at his hometown club, Koper, Jermaniš's legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements, embodying loyalty and contributing to the growth of Slovenian football from its formative years.
2. Early Life and Background
Alfred Jermaniš was born on 21 January 1967 in Koper, Yugoslavia (now Slovenia). His foundational years in football were spent within the youth system of his local club, Koper, where he developed the skills that would define his professional career. This early connection to his hometown club laid the groundwork for a career characterized by both international experience and a strong enduring bond with Slovenian football.
3. Playing Career
Alfred Jermaniš enjoyed a distinguished career as a professional footballer, primarily operating as a midfielder. His playing days spanned several countries, including Slovenia, Japan, Austria, and Cyprus, before he transitioned into a coaching role.
3.1. Club Career
Jermaniš began his senior club career at his boyhood club, Koper, making his debut in 1986. He played for Koper until 1989 before transferring to Olimpija Ljubljana, where he spent three seasons. With Olimpija, he achieved his first major success, winning the Slovenian PrvaLiga title in the 1991-92 season.
In 1992, Jermaniš ventured abroad for a brief stint with Japanese club Yokohama Flügels. Although he was part of the squad during this period, he did not make any official appearances for the club. Following his time in Japan, he returned to Slovenia for the 1992-93 season, rejoining Koper.
His career then saw him move to Mura for the 1993-94 season, followed by a period in Austria with Rapid Wien during the 1994-95 season. Jermaniš returned to Slovenia again in 1995, signing with Gorica, where he secured his second Slovenian PrvaLiga title in the 1995-96 season.
He then played for APOEL in Cyprus during the 1996-97 season. After his time in Cyprus, Jermaniš continued his career in Slovenia with Primorje (1997-98), Korotan Prevalje (1998-99), and Rudar Velenje (1999-2000). He made a significant return to Koper for his third tenure from 2000 to 2003, where he played for three more seasons before officially retiring from professional football in 2004.
3.2. International Career
Alfred Jermaniš was a notable member of the Slovenia national football team during its formative years. He made his debut for Slovenia in the country's first-ever official match, a friendly against Estonia on 3 June 1992. Throughout his international career, Jermaniš earned a total of 29 caps, scoring 1 goal for the national team. His final international appearance was in an April 1998 friendly match against the Czech Republic. While some sources indicate he made 32 appearances, official records generally confirm 29 caps.
4. Managerial Career
Following his retirement as a player, Alfred Jermaniš transitioned into football management and coaching. His managerial career began with his former club, Koper, where he took charge in 2003. He later managed SC Bonifika in 2008 and Izola from 2012 to 2013, continuing his involvement in Slovenian football.
5. Statistics
Alfred Jermaniš's playing career spanned nearly two decades, with significant contributions to various clubs and the Slovenian national team.
5.1. Club Statistics
| Year | Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986-1989 | Koper | 29 | 1 |
| 1989-1992 | Olimpija Ljubljana | 66 | 3 |
| 1992 | Yokohama Flügels | 0 | 0 |
| 1992-1993 | Koper | 12 | 2 |
| 1993-1994 | Mura | 18 | 1 |
| 1994-1995 | Rapid Wien | 18 | 1 |
| 1995-1996 | Gorica | 30 | 7 |
| 1996-1997 | APOEL | 24 | 2 |
| 1997-1998 | Primorje | 17 | 3 |
| 1998-1999 | Korotan Prevalje | 39 | 11 |
| 1999-2000 | Rudar Velenje | 14 | 4 |
| 2000-2003 | Koper | 80 | 6 |
| Total | 347 | 41 |
5.2. International Statistics
Alfred Jermaniš represented Slovenia for six years, from the country's first official match until 1998. While official records state 29 caps, some sources report 32 international appearances.
| Year | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 1 | 0 |
| 1993 | 2 | 0 |
| 1994 | 9 | 1 |
| 1995 | 7 | 0 |
| 1996 | 3 | 0 |
| 1997 | 2 | 0 |
| 1998 | 5 | 0 |
| Total | 29 | 1 |
6. Assessment and Legacy
Alfred Jermaniš's career as a footballer and coach left a significant mark on Slovenian football. His consistent performances as a midfielder and his dedication to both club and country contributed to the sport's development in the newly independent Slovenia.
6.1. Major Achievements
Jermaniš's most notable achievements include winning the Slovenian PrvaLiga title twice, first with Olimpija Ljubljana in the 1991-92 season and then with Gorica in the 1995-96 season. These victories established him as a successful domestic player. Furthermore, his participation in the Slovenia national team's first-ever official match in 1992 positions him as a pioneering figure in the country's international football history.
6.2. Impact
Jermaniš's impact on Slovenian football is rooted in his long and varied career, which saw him play in multiple leagues and consistently perform at a high level. His role as a central midfielder was crucial for the teams he represented, providing stability and creativity. His multiple returns to his hometown club, Koper, throughout his career, culminating in his retirement there, highlight a deep connection to local football and its development. After retiring as a player, his transition to coaching further demonstrated his commitment to the sport, allowing him to impart his experience to future generations of Slovenian footballers. His career exemplifies a professional dedication that significantly contributed to the growth and establishment of football in Slovenia during a crucial period of its national identity.