Brisbane Roar today confirms a number of new appointments to its men’s technical staff for the upcoming 26/27 Isuzu UTE A-League season and beyond.
Following the addition of new Sporting Director James Gow, the club is building towards a strong 26/27 campaign underpinned by a unified identity, an exciting brand of football, and a clear, modern pathway for the best young talent in Queensland and across Australia.
Joining Head Coach Michael Valkanis, Iacopo La Rocca has been appointed Senior Assistant Coach. La Rocca arrives following coaching roles at Melbourne City FC’s Academy, Preston Lions, Football Victoria and, most recently, FC Bulleen Lions. As a player, he featured internationally and in Australia for Western Sydney Wanderers, Adelaide United and Melbourne City.
Tim Schleiger joins the club in the newly created role of Head of Performance, bringing more than 30 years of high-performance experience working alongside professional athletes and international footballers, including A-League players and current and former Socceroos. Tim draws on a wealth of practical experience as well as a range of tertiary qualifications in human movement, biomechanics, applied science, sports massage, and strength and conditioning. Across his career he has consulted elite international athletes and leading sporting organisations in football, cricket, AFL, tennis, snow sports and a range of summer Olympic sports.
Luis Resa re-joins Brisbane Roar as Head of Medical, leading the men’s physiotherapy department. He returns following a recent role at the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) and brings extensive experience as a Lead Physiotherapist after roles with Football Australia, Cirque du Soleil and the North Queensland Fury.
Andy Bernal continues as an Individual Development Coach, supporting players as they transition between the club’s B Team and A-League squad, while Lloyd Caliban continues in the crucial role as A-League Men’s Kit & Equipment Officer.
The club also welcomes Maxim Gaydovskiy as Head of Analysis. Gaydovskiy previously worked within the coaching structure at FC Zenit Saint Petersburg before relocating to Australia, where he held roles at Preston Lions FC and Heidelberg United FC. He went on to serve as Senior Head Coach at Port Melbourne Sharks SC, and most recently as Head of Analysis at Avondale FC.
The final staffing appointments will be announced in the coming weeks, with A-League Men’s preseason recommencing July 1.
Brisbane Roar Sporting Director James Gow said, “such appointments reflect the standard and direction being set across the club, after an extensive review during the post season.”
“We’ve brought together experienced, high-quality people who share our ambition and understand what it takes to develop players and win matches.”
“Each addition strengthens our technical department and supports a clear, modern pathway for the best young talent in Queensland and across Australia. I’m confident this group, with a couple more final additions, will help us build a unified club identity and an exciting brand of football that our supporters and members can really resonate with.”
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