Triple Championship-winner Henrique has joined Brisbane Roar’s two-star Academy set-up as Head Coach of the Club’s Under 16 squad, who plays in the NPL Queensland U18 competition.
Henrique, who made 168 Hyundai A-League appearances over 10 seasons at Brisbane Roar, replaces current Under 16 Head Coach Jose Barcala who will depart the Club to take up a role at French outfit FC Girondins de Bordeaux as Assistant Coach of the Club Women’s team.
After concluding his time as a player at the Club at the end of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season, Henrique says he is honoured to be returning to BRFC in a coaching capacity.
“The opportunity to coach at Brisbane Roar means a lot to me. I’ll take the role on with all my heart and hopefully it will be the start of something big for me,” Henrique said.
“Coaching was something I had in my mind to look at after football. As a player, I always liked the tactical side of things and it was important to my game – things like knowing where the space was and how to take advantage of the opposition.”
“I will do my best to help my players reach their potential and to assist in the transition to senior football here at Brisbane Roar.”
Henrique will assume the reins from Barcala, who joined the Club as a foundation coach of the BRFC Academy program.
Barcala says he is excited for a terrific opportunity to further his coaching career in France.
“The Club [FC Girondins de Bordeaux] contacted me because the Head Coach, Jérôme Dauba, who I have had connections with before, wanted me on board at the Club,” Barcala said.
“I’m really excited, it’s a big step forward in my career with more responsibility and the challenge will be huge.
Barcala said he was honoured to have been part of the BRFC Academy and added he felt the program would only go from strength to strength.
“I am very proud to be part of Brisbane Roar and I hope to be back in Queensland, and at this Club, one day.”
“The challenge now is to keep improving because it’s a very competitive environment – everyone wants to keep increasing their standards.”
