Rochina has big role to play, says Blackburn Rovers boss (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Rochina has big role to play, says Blackburn Rovers boss
9:44am Thursday 8th November 2012 in Sport
By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers reporter
HENNING Berg will urge Blackburn Rovers’ crowd pleaser Ruben Rochina to express himself as the Spaniard looks set to be handed a second chance at Ewood Park.
Rovers’ new boss has hailed Rochina a “fantastic talent”, after impressing in his first two games in charge, and will encourage the 21-year-old play-maker to continue having faith in his own ability.
Rochina has endured a frustrating start to life in England, after signing from Barcelona B in January 2011, with former boss Steve Kean often leaving him on the substitutes bench or out of the squad entirely.
He made just 13 starts last season and had made just three starts this time around, before Berg’s arrival.
Rochina though, impressed in a second half cameo during Berg’s first game in charge, Saturday’s defeat at Palace, and continued where he left off with a starring role in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at Huddersfield.
Berg said: “We know he has quality on the ball and we want him to express himself. We want him to use his best qualities and, as long as he does it in the right areas at the right times, it is fantastic.
“He is a fantastic talent. His technique, his skill, his control, his dribbling is fantastic, his positional play was very, very good as well. So I think there will be a lot more coming from him.
“He is fantastic to watch, with the way he moves and the way he plays, and for us we just have to find the right balance in the team, making sure we have the players around him that can compliment his qualities so we can get the best out of everybody.”
Rochina played a key role in Jordan Rhodes’ opener at the John Smith’s Stadium in midweek, before limping out of the action on 82 minutes with cramp.
He is expected to be fit for Saturday’s visit of Birmingham, with Berg looking to make the most of his obvious quality.
“The ball for Jordan is a fantastic one,” said Berg. “When Ruben plays it is important to make sure he gets the ball in the right positions. He did that, he was a bit of unlucky with his shooting, but his ball for Jordan’s goal was fantastic.
“His positional play was very, very good. He is a great player and he showed that against Palace when he came on.
“He made a difference in terms of holding the ball up, making sure we got more possession higher up the pitch. He’s a good player and I look forward to working even more with him.”
Berg is yet to record his first win as Rovers boss but believes Tuesday’s display in Yorkshire was “a step in the right direction”.
“The overall performance was good,” he said. “This is how we want to play, this is what we want to see. We were very, very disappointed not to get the three points.
“We did many good things and the players have to look at themselves and say ‘yes we are on the right way, we are improving’.
“It was a huge improvement in terms of the defensive play and the tactical play, both with the ball and without it. I am happy that we are improving and of course there is room for more improvement. This was a good step in the right direction.”
Comments are closed on this article.

Comments (78)
9:57am Thu 8 Nov 12
Road Runner Road Runner says...
Rochina was head and shoulders above(IMO) Tuesday evening at Huddersfield, but the words of wisdom put to him in the second half, again IMO, tended to dent his attacking impetuous ?
Give the guy a free role, but agreed he as to deliver from the correct area's and not put the team under pressure.
Ruben, Ruben Rochina :)
Arte et labore
9:58am Thu 8 Nov 12
jag kalsi says...
I would like to see us attack on saturday at home to Birmingham.
Perhaps, Ruben behind 2 front strikers.
10:03am Thu 8 Nov 12
smellthecoffee says...
.
Roschina is a decent player but inconsistent.
.
Funny though how Roshina and the other Spanish/Portuguese players were brought in when Kentaro have offices in Spain and Portugal - how coincidental!!!
.
We haven't heard from Venky's in a while so do we actually know if they are still involved in this charade???
10:09am Thu 8 Nov 12
baz58 says...
10:10am Thu 8 Nov 12
smellthecoffee says...
10:11am Thu 8 Nov 12
Harwoodstblue says...
I think Rochina has shown lots of potential from the beginning, but like others, was brought to the club and not given a decent run in the team,
He could develop, into an outstanding player at championship level, if given a proper chance.
10:11am Thu 8 Nov 12
parkinsonc says...
Admitedlly he can be frustrating, and sometimes even a liability, but thats down to the manager to find a way to get the very best out of him, and mitigate the downsides.
I hope he gets a run in the side now.
Smelly, how's about you don't fill up the comment sections with negative, antagonistic, trolling, conspiracy theory claptrap comments like most days. Have a day off, so people who, oh I don't know, want to talk about football, can get a word in edgeways, and not have to trawl past hundreds of your comments.
10:12am Thu 8 Nov 12
StLedge says...
10:14am Thu 8 Nov 12
smellthecoffee says...
.
I wonder if Leona Lewis had Rovers in mind when she penned her number 1 hit??
10:32am Thu 8 Nov 12
blueblooded says...
back on topic, Agree with assessment. Rochine will be deliver if allowed to play his way. Berg seems to have a handle on this, would like to see Ribiero given a go too. Beforw we delive into the loan market for new players we need to ensure we're gwtting the best from the ones we already have seeing the size of the squad.
Best is the one I cant wait to see get back, he will be a game changer in t he team for sure. Anyone know how he;s doing btw?
10:33am Thu 8 Nov 12
roverfor60years says...
10:37am Thu 8 Nov 12
Rovers 1495 says...
10:38am Thu 8 Nov 12
blueblooded says...
I think its time to freeze out smelly and just stick to the topic. Like dingle posts eventually you learn to just skip past them.
10:39am Thu 8 Nov 12
ashton_9 says...
10:53am Thu 8 Nov 12
MatthewCA says...
1. Leon Best ( he will get ready by Jan2013)
2.Jordan Rhodes
3.Nuno Gomes
4.Kazim Richards
5.GoodWillie( he wll be ready by Jan2013)
6.Ruben Rochina
7.Junior Edinho
If u look at the list , Rochina is the best pic to join with Rhodes.
10:55am Thu 8 Nov 12
bigste says...
11:06am Thu 8 Nov 12
RUinsane says...
11:11am Thu 8 Nov 12
RUinsane says...
Kean was a tool and he desreved all the abuse he got for being so.
11:12am Thu 8 Nov 12
realisticrovers says...
11:12am Thu 8 Nov 12
realisticrovers says...
11:13am Thu 8 Nov 12
realisticrovers says...
11:13am Thu 8 Nov 12
realisticrovers says...
11:13am Thu 8 Nov 12
realisticrovers says...
11:14am Thu 8 Nov 12
realisticrovers says...
11:14am Thu 8 Nov 12
realisticrovers says...
11:14am Thu 8 Nov 12
realisticrovers says...
11:14am Thu 8 Nov 12
realisticrovers says...
11:15am Thu 8 Nov 12
realisticrovers says...
11:24am Thu 8 Nov 12
AshirMan says...
2: Rhodes needs a stonger CF alongside him to be effective and 3: This system can suit Rubin/Formics/Vukciv
ic/Dunn as the man behind 2 strikers with Ethuhu & Lowe as defensive mids.
11:25am Thu 8 Nov 12
French Rover says...
second sign of madness: replying to your own posts
Give it up now lad - the battle is over and the day is won and you are just being silly now and showing that if indeed you ever were a Rovers fan - then those days you could claim any allegiance are long gone now.
Bitter Coffee?
11:26am Thu 8 Nov 12
OliverBRFC says...
11:31am Thu 8 Nov 12
French Rover says...
11:36am Thu 8 Nov 12
Chrissaces says...
What you have to realise is that:
a) If it was a conspiracy there would have been something done about it. Plus, if 'Rochina' (spell it correctly you inbred, 5-fingered t1t) is what we get from a conspiracy then we've done well by it.
b) Everyone knows your a dingle, the actual rovers fans on here are clearly not falling for your 'Lets boycott/get everyone out of ewood' rubbish.
Rovers fans are happy because we know the club is moving in the right direction. Burnley fans are $hitting themselves because they know they only have a 1-trick-pony Austin. Once he goes (as he will do soon).. Your really going to be in a bad place!! Hahahaha!
Go crawl back in your pits dingles!
Bring on 02/12/2012!
RTID
11:58am Thu 8 Nov 12
Lancs - pensioner says...
COYB 3 points on Saturday, lets keep teasing them Dingles when they get close to us in the table.
12:01pm Thu 8 Nov 12
SouthernRover says...
If we just ignore those who are looking to stir made up conspiracy theories we can actually discuss and support our team!
12:10pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Long time Rover says...
Hey, we have a manager again, what a relief!
12:24pm Thu 8 Nov 12
jag kalsi says...
You are such an annyoing person, we dont need the likes of you here, why dont you go and play around with your father.
12:26pm Thu 8 Nov 12
jag kalsi says...
You are such an annyoing person, we dont need the likes of you here, why dont you go and play around with your father.”
12:35pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Brunzig says...
Kean hardly ever played Rochina for reasons unknown (didnt have a clue what he was doing)
Berg can see what most fans already knew, when hes on the pitch he makes things happen!
People stand up, open your eyes and you will see we now have a manager that talks and makes lots of sense!
1:11pm Thu 8 Nov 12
A Darener says...
I can't wait to see the new look team and Henning being cheered as our new manager. It will make a change from the booing of Kean.
Ewood will be rocking to the sound of
"Henning Berg's Blue and White Army!
We may even see Rhodes get some service at last.
Let's show the football world that BRFC are back in business!
GET INTO EM!
1:12pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Wild Rover says...
A point I have been making for about 3 years btw. The next point is that he and he alone is the big time multiple account holder, so at some point he will burn the STC i.d and switch to another and another to try to foster his destructive games, he will try to poison Henning Berg and will keep bleating about any negative thing he can think of.
So, please can we start by blocking him out and ignoring him. Next, please use the report button when he gets offensive as the LT will have to stop him at some stage
Meanwhile I will carry on with my action plan, so keep the magnet handy Smelly/Whoever for when the big knock comes on your front door!
And I agree Rochina can be deadly if used and managed correctly and I am confident that Henning can do this, looking forward to Saturday!
1:18pm Thu 8 Nov 12
oneSimonGarner says...
1:25pm Thu 8 Nov 12
midas says...
1:27pm Thu 8 Nov 12
A Darener says...
1:40pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Iiii1111 says...
The problem now for Henning is how quick he can turn this mess around, hopefully most supporters will give him enough time to stamp his mark….the only real iceberg on the horizon is the Burnley away game (the Clarets seem to have a decent team with a goal machine) this would be a tough game under normal circumstances but under such a transitional period from the dark days of Kean to the new halcyon days of Berg it could be a banana skin…..win lose or draw this game we still have to show Berg our support and remember the mess left behind he’s having to manage.
1:44pm Thu 8 Nov 12
RTID says...
The major positive from the Huddersfield game though was the right flank once Simon came on. Henley and Simon could be great together on that wing.
Also despite giving the ball away at the end Diogo Rosado looked quick, skillful and strong. May be able to put pressure on the central midfield for a starting slot.
Murphy also played well. Kept the ball moving quickly to keep the pressure up. Something Rovers have lacked for a long time. I hate the way we slow the game down every time we get a free kick.
Is it possible to play this team?
Robinson,
Henley, Hanley, Givet, Olsson
Simon, Lowe, Murphy, Fabio Nunes
Rochina, Rhodes
3:05pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Road Runner Road Runner says...
With you all the way on giving and even demanding that ALL Rovers supporters get behind Berg.
I believe in Berg along with feeling that we have a football manager at the helm steering us into calm waters.
Tuesdays display was far from perfect, but green shoots were most certainly prevalent, and the atmosphere in the crowd was top notch. Only the usual moan and groan from football supporters which was good to hear rather than gut wrenching howls of derision !
I hope Berg can get the win Saturday thus I surmise settling everyone down ? Cliche, I know, but never as important in the wretched days we have witnessed for BRFC.
So long as the B&W's put up the good fight against those pesky underachieving Dingles all will be well on the front. That said, I demand nothing other than a win - ha ha :)
Regards.
Arte et labore
3:06pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Mike Oxsore says...
3:09pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Mike Oxsore says...
3:12pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Road Runner Road Runner says...
For me it is the best role for Rochina - give him freedom to express himself as I believe he had his wings clipped in the 2nd half at Huddersfield thus denting his contribution ?
Not that I have a problem with the words of advice from Berg(?) toward Rochina, after all it is a team game, but Rochina is a class act, and unlike we, young in his head with tons to learn and develop.
Can we at last see the Beautiful Swan emerging my friend ?
Here is to that down at the good ship Ewood !
Au revoir pour l'instant
Arte et labore
3:23pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Bigdel says...
3:34pm Thu 8 Nov 12
billyblue2 says...
Ruben is different. Adds a new dimension. He will occasionaly give the ball away but thats because he is thinking quicker than the others. Build the team around him and Rhodes and we will fly.
3:43pm Thu 8 Nov 12
real_rover says...
3:51pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Mike Oxsore says...
3:56pm Thu 8 Nov 12
StLedge says...
..who...who...who...
.who...who...who....
who...who...who....w
ho...who...who....wh
o...who...who....who
...who...who....who.
..who...who....who..
.who...who....who...
who...who....who...
Sums it up really.....
3:56pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Captain Dreckley says...
4:01pm Thu 8 Nov 12
A Darener says...
4:20pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Mike Oxsore says...
.........go on StSledge admit it, you're a closet Claret ! :)
4:33pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Harwoodstblue says...
4:34pm Thu 8 Nov 12
eddie the eagle says...
Don't rush the swan the next false dawn could be fatal but I do believe that Berg is the right man for the job.
If he picked up half of Ray Hartfords knowledge then we don't need to worry about tactics add what he picked up from Dalglish and ferguson and I think that maybe the Swan is a possibility.I do beleive that the weight left by the odious ones mistakes might be just to much for the swan to soar.
4:37pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Harwoodstblue says...
4:49pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Mike Oxsore says...
4:51pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Harwoodstblue says...
4:52pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Vilesinner says...
Seriously though well done Henning, he makes a lot of sense.
5:14pm Thu 8 Nov 12
smellthecoffee says...
5:20pm Thu 8 Nov 12
noddymcleod says...
Lowe too inexperienced to fill the role, Murphy can't move, Dunnie's instinct is to go forward, Etu just has no ability. We'll have to buy.
5:52pm Thu 8 Nov 12
A Darener says...
Teams involved Blackburn Rovers
Burnley
Number of meetings 90
Most wins Blackburn Rovers (40)
Most recent meeting Burnley 0 - 1 Blackburn Rovers (28 March 2010)
Largest victory Burnley 1 - 7 Blackburn Rovers (3 November 1888)
Blackburn Rovers 7 - 1 Burnley (26 October 1889)
I would love to repeat that score.
Perhaps the above stats will shut the Dingles up for a while.
6:04pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Mike Oxsore says...
Get a dictionary and look up the words "LAGER" and "GIRLFRIEND" you hermit !
6:10pm Thu 8 Nov 12
A Darener says...
6:15pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Mike Oxsore says...
6:15pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Road Runner Road Runner says...
I hope not mate ?
Anything other than total and loyal support for Berg would be football criminality on our part.
The blasted last gasp switched off naive equalizer tore the backside out of what could have become a great win, but I feel Berg, will in portions of those attributes you mentioned of his mentors, serve him well in getting his team into shape.
I would not sit here and say precisely what was different Tuesday, but the showing was revealing if only for the weaknesses that are blighting the team.
Ian Holloways job is a site easier !
Berg is the man, at the very least to steady the ship, to then hopefully go onto the Swan ? He He :)
Arte et labore
7:34pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Is Eckersley playing? says...
7:22am Fri 9 Nov 12
Heidenreicher says...
8:12am Fri 9 Nov 12
Rovers 1495 says...
8:37am Fri 9 Nov 12
jag kalsi says...
Smelly, get th ehell out of this forum and fondle your dad for pleasure rather than commenting here.
8:40am Fri 9 Nov 12
bburnrover says...
1:38pm Fri 9 Nov 12
Mike Oxsore says...
3:44pm Fri 9 Nov 12
Magnus K says...
Please keep in mind that you ask for such attacks when you spam **** about other teams players to their fans though. From what I have read about him (never actually seen him play to be honest), he sounds like he has a lot of potential. As for "diving" and falling easilly, that is a southern European/southern american culture thing, but one that can eroded in the players. The fact is that 99.99999% of latino speaking players do fall easilly compared to Northern european ones (in Northern Europe we do, like you Brits, and I realise some of you do not think of yourself as Northern European despite the fact that you clearly are, look down on divers due to our culture), and thus this is something that they have to "un-learn". In time, most fo them do adjust though.
Never the less, it is frankly unfair to label someone divers when they have hardly even played :)