Once, twice, three times the task for Luis

 

By Teo Pellizzeri

December 24 2008

Shepparton News

Luis Rodriguez isn't taking on the hardest job in North Eastern Soccer League, he's taking on three of them.

The new Kyabram division two, under-16s and under14s coach will take on teams that won just two matches between them this season and had 614 goals scored against them.

That's more than 10 goals against a game, a long way from the competitiveness Rodriguez wants to instil at the club.

The man from Tenerife in the Canary Islands has played professionally in Australia and will look to bring his experience and discipline to Kyabram's teams.

Involved at the club in its first stint of existence, 55-year-old Rodriguez has only been briefly affiliated with the new-look Kyabram since reformation last year.

"Everyone is down on the ground," Rodriguez said.

"It's not acceptable to lose 10 or 20-nil. The teams are not bad, but they need a lot of discipline."

Rodriguez said the increasing professional attitude within North Eastern teams meant the right attitude and a good team spirit was crucial.

He said his players next season would be fit, "strong in the stomach and the legs".

"The club has asked me to get to the top, but that is asking for a miracle," he said.

"I will start with my team from the back and stop conceding goals.

"I think it's encouraging, I want our teams aiming to win."

Rodriguez's 15-year-old son Joseph described last season's efforts as embarrassing.

"This is the third season and the club has got to climb up our division," Joseph said.

"We're serious teams. Everyone wants to get this club to a stage where we can win games."