Still miles to go: Rodrigues

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Lenny Rodrigues

Lenny Rodrigues is one of those players in the Indian football team who is happy to stay away from the limelight. The ‘Best Midfielder’ award conferred on him for the 2012-13 I-League season underlines his growing stature. Rodrigues, who played a crucial role in Churchill Brothers’ I-League triumph, credits his transformation to national coach Wim Koevermans. Excerpts from an interview on the AIFF website:

What does the best midfielder award means to you?
I was thrilled and will like to thank the almighty for my success. This award is significant as it caps off a successful season for me — both for my club and country.
Whom will you dedicate this award to and why?
I have to dedicate it to national team coach Wim Koevermans. Wim sir is like a father figure to me. I’m what I am today
only because of him. He has had a big influence in my playing career. Being an integral part of
last year’s Nehru Cup winning squad was a dream come
true for me. I took off from there. Under Wim sir, I learnt the art of passing the ball and also learnt how to keep shape as a midfielder. He boosted my
confidence, even off the field. I am much more confident individual now and I owe everything to Koevermans.
How do you look back at your career?
I think my hard work is finally paying off. It may sound clichéd but that’s the truth. I am a firm believer of putting your head down and doing your job. I am a quiet person and like to keep to myself. I believe in getting the job done and obviously it’s motivating when your efforts get recognised.
What clicked for you last season?
I have been doing a lot of running around. I believe modern football is about how much ground have you covered on the football pitch. As a defensive midfielder, I have to work overtime. I am working hard on my tackling.
Can you throw some light on keeping shape as a midfielder?
A midfielder needs to work overtime, attack as well as defend. I learnt it all from Wim sir and am reaping the dividends today. Wim sir taught us to always be on our toes and not concede the second ball. One should go for every ball and not relax at any point of time. Wim sir is full of positive vibes. He made me feel so important. He told us not to back pass and always be on the lookout for a good through ball.
What is next on the cards for you?
I would like to win the Federation Cup for my team. I have already won the I-League, the IFA Shield and the Durand Cup. I have been fortunate to have worked under good coaches and have learnt a lot but as a football player, I still have miles to go.