Versatile defender Iacopo La Rocca has signed with the NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers for two more seasons, it was announced today.
Versatile defender Iacopo La Rocca has signed with the NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers for two more seasons, it was announced today.
La Rocca committed to the red and blacks until the end of the 2014/15 season as coach Tony Popovic looks to shape the future of the Hyundai A-League-s newest club.
Popovic said La Rocca brought a lot to the squad with his ball distribution, defence and versatility.
“Iacopo is very good on the ball and his distribution is a real asset of his and we feel that he can help us move forward in the near term and the long term,” Popovic said.
“He is a quality player and a quality person and we feel that he will only get better and better.”
The 28-year-old Italian is the eighth player the Club has re-signed this year along with Mateo Poljak, Shannon Cole, Adam D-Apuzzo, Ante Covic, Michael Beauchamp, Jerome Polenz and Youssouf Hersi.
He is the first player to secure a two-year extension.
“Iacopo is a very good age for a central midfield defensive player and he should be coming into his own physically and mentally and we feel it is the right decision to give him two more years with us,” Popovic said.
“He is very comfortable on the ball and he reads the game very well.
“Once he gets his fitness up I think we will see the qualities he possesses on a more regular basis and we feel that there is a lot of improvement left in him.”
La Rocca said he loved everything about the Wanderers and was very happy to be able to commit for the long-term.
“I re-signed because everything here in Australia and with the Wanderers is great,” La Rocca said.
“The team is one of the best in the league and the Club is very professional and I really feel like I am fitting in well.”
La Rocca said he felt he could be a better player under Popovic and the Wanderers coaching staff.
“The coach is very professional you know,” he said. “If you do not train hard and do everything right, then you don-t play and I like this.
“He is very direct and if he thinks something is no good then he says it to your face and I like this too.”
Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman said La Rocca had been a major contributor to the Club-s incredible defensive record this year.
“His versatility as a holding midfielder and anywhere across the defensive line is an invaluable asset,” Gorman said.
“Iacopo gives us tremendous cover across all of these positions and his no-nonsense style of defence fits in perfectly with the way Tony wants his team to play at the back.”
Gorman said La Rocca was a natural team man and a harsh critic of his own performances.
“Iacopo is a big hit with his team mates and the fans and provides us with stability and flexibility in defence,” Gorman said.
“I am delighted that he has agreed to continue his career with our Club.”
