Weiss stays as Azkals coach

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine football team manager Dan Palami said German Michael Weiss will stay as coach of the Azkals despite the team’s loss against Kuwait in the World Cup qualifiers last week.

Although he declined to rate Weiss’ performance after Kuwait sent the Filipino booters packing with a 5-1 aggregate win, Palami, also regarded as the Azkals’ godfather, believes Weiss is still the wise choice for the national team.

“It’s very unrealistic to gauge him against a team like Kuwait, but in fact, even as it is (elimination), the stride that we have made in football has been considered short of phenomenon not just in Asia but in the whole world,” Palami said.

Weiss, who left for Germany on Sunday for a 10-day break, replaced British Simon McMenemy six months ago and has two-year contract with the Azkals.

Under Weiss, the Azkals became the first national squad to reach the second round of the qualifiers since 1950. Under his guidance, the team also earned a berth to the AFC Challenge Cup finals next year.

Asked if he sees a longer partnership with Weiss, Palami said: “A long time is a very strong word. But at least I know that what he’s doing is working for us. For as long as we get the results that we want, not in terms of the bottom line scores but in terms of how we play, then I suppose he really has a plop in the team.”

Meanwhile, Palami is not letting up in further improving the lineup. He is set to leave for Europe this month to recruit possible reinforcements for the Azkals.

The national team is seriously considering on tapping French-born Alphonse Areola, a 6-foot-2 goalie who plays for French First Division side Paris St. Germain.

The 18-year-old Areola, whose parents are Filipinos, is seen to be an able replacement for Fil-British keeper Neil Etheridge, who is expected to have limited time with Azkals following his scheduled promotion as main reliever for his club Fulham in the English Premier League.

Francis Santiago, Manila Bulletin