As the new sheriff in town, long-time football coach and former national team player Richard Leyble understands the challenge he has accepted as the mentor of De La Salle University.
Leyble, a proud product of Koronadal City, claimed his first win in the UAAP as Green Booters coach with a 1-0 victory over the UE Red Warriors last Thursday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub.
Still, he admitted that he and his squad have a long way to go.
When the final whistle blew, a wave of relief swept through Leyble and the Green Booters, knowing the outcome could have been different if the Red Warriors had capitalized on their chances.
“We started slow in this game because some of the players didn’t follow the plan,” he said. “But, all in all, they played well. Everybody played well. Everybody didn’t give up.
“They just played and won this game. But we’re lucky because UE is strong also. They wanted to also also with this game. But unfortunately, (for them) we got the first goal. We dominated the last, I think, 10 minutes of the game.”
The 53-year-old is forced to hit the ground running, having come in as a late replacement for Aber Ruzgal, who abruptly left the program just months after being brought in to replace former La Salle and national team standout Alvin Ocampo.
Leyble and Ocampo share a long history, having both represented the country in the 90s and early 2000s. Both have also remained active in local football, coaching various teams in their post-playing careers.
While Leyble is eager to implement his own style, he isn’t shy about seeking advice from his long-time colleague.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Alvin is my former teammate in the national team,” he explained. “We’re good. No need to ask him because I want my approach. No need to ask. I just go here to bring my specialty in my approach, and what I learned to coach.
“But there are some times we ask Alvin when it comes to how the players react during the training (and also) their attitude and discipline. That’s also my guide before I committed here.”
This marks a new chapter for La Salle football in the collegiate men’s division. For years, Ocampo and the iconic Hans-Peter Smit — two legendary figures not just for the green and white but also for Philippine football — have been part of the program.
With Leyble now at the helm, it remains to be seen how the Green Booters will fare this season and in the years ahead. One thing is clear: he is determined to give his best shot.
“I cannot tell you what will happen because these are not all my recruits,” he said. “I just arrived here one and a half month ago. But yes, we are here and it’s a challenge to bring this team to the top four.
“Yeah too much (adjustment) is a challenge just for (players) to understand what I want inside the field. But I’m still adjusting.”
