Gran Canaria-born manager Juan Manuel Rodríguez, who has taken charge of UD Las Palmas on an interim basis, stated on Tuesday during his presentation that he is a «club man», and would therefore understand if he had to step down once the club finds a replacement for Rubén de la Barrera, who was sacked on Monday evening.
Rodríguez, aged 67, has previously managed the first team on three other occasions, although his most recent spell dates back to the 2011-2012 season, and this Tuesday he will lead his first training session, during which he intends to assess the squad’s situation.
«The club have spoken to me, explained the situation to me and asked me to take charge of the team on an interim basis whilst they look for a new manager. I’m a club man and I didn’t hesitate to accept the role because it’s an honour to represent Unión Deportiva,» he said, visibly moved.
UD Las Palmas: Rodríguez calls for commitment and team spirit
The veteran coach from the island has expressed his «respect» for the outgoing manager, Rubén de la Barrera from Galicia, and has at no point given anything away ahead of next Saturday’s match against CD Castellón, the first of two consecutive fixtures the Yellow team will play at the Estadio de Gran Canaria.
That said, he has sent out some clear messages, such as the fact that under him «no one’s place is guaranteed», because that has to be earned «day in, day out», although he has indicated that he wants the team to «be balanced, know how to defend and attack, and do what is required at any given moment; we must stick together as a unit».
Rodríguez has revealed that he has not spoken to any players or members of the coaching staff and has emphasised that he has not asked the club for anything, «neither money nor new signings», as he returns to the team «close to his heart» to try to turn around a inconsistent run of form in LaLiga Hypermotion, with just 11 points and only three points above the relegation zone to Primera Federación.
In this regard, he has avoided analysing the causes of the current situation «because it would be unfair», and has acknowledged that he has already begun preparing for Castellón’s visit, although he does not know which players will be available to him, or whether any of the injured players will have recovered.
«I’m going to tell the players the truth about what I think: where I’m heading and who wants to come with me in that direction,» he added.
Juan Manuel Rodríguez brings a wealth of experience and an understanding of young people
Having managed 125 matches in charge of the first team across three separate spells, Juan Manuel Rodríguez is the fifth manager to have managed the most competitive matches in the history of UD Las Palmas, and he began this season with the reserve side, Las Palmas Atlético, in the Segunda Federación.
«Knowing the youth team players is an advantage, a positive thing,» admitted the new manager of the Gran Canaria side, who is taking on the role on an interim basis, a status the club has clarified following the sacking of Rubén de la Barrera after last Sunday’s 3-1 defeat in Mallorca. EFE
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«UD Las Palmas: Rodríguez appointed interim manager in Gran Canaria»
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