02 January 2011

Azkals brass meet Germans while McMenemy waits

Philippine Football officials head for Germany on Monday for a two-day meet with the Deutscher Fussball Bund (DFB, the German Football Federation) to discuss how the Germans can help not just the national squad but Philippine football.

The DFB provides aid, training and technology to some 17 countries.

According to Philippine football officials, the DFB has also offered the services of Hans Michael Weiss as a coach for the national team.

Whether that means the English head coach Simon McMenemy will be replaced is unsure at the moment.

When asked about the Philippine job, Weiss, who has worked with Rwanda, the Chinese and Japanese Football Associations, and worked as an intern with Real Madrid FC, Arsenal FC, Argentina’s River Plate, and the Bundesliga’s FC Kaiserslautern, said, “Hopefully the Azkals will continue their momentum not only in 2011, but also in the upcoming years. For the moment I cannot comment on anything. After next week the Philippine soccer world will know more.”

McMenemy steered the Azkals to a semifinal appearance in the 2010 Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup. With the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup looming, McMenemy might be disqualified on a technicality as he lacks a coaching license that is a requirement to coach at this level.

In a conversation with McMenemy on Sunday, the Englishman informed the BusinessMirror that AFF officials have signified their intention to help him secure the license needed to continue with the Azkals.

“I’d love to comeback and continue what we started with the Philippines,” said McMenemy. “Hopefully, we can secure a long-term contract because I think we can put together a three-year plan to make the team better and go farther.”

McMenemy clarified reports about Vietnam being interested in his coaching services.

“It wasn’t only I who received offers,” underscored the former Worthing FC assistant coach. “The players were also getting interest from different countries. As for Vietnam, it was a club team from their premier league. As I understand, it was the former team of Mr. [Henrique] Calisto.”

Calisto is the head coach of Vietnam who piloted the emerging Asean powerhouse to the 2008 Suzuki Cup title and refused to shake McMenemy’s hand after the Philippines’ 2-0 win in the group stages.

Calisto, who is Portuguese, accused the Philippines of degrading the sport by “parking the bus” in the endgame.

McMenemy countered by saying, “I believe that the objective is to win the game. And you do what it takes to do that.”

The BusinessMirror also learned that James and Phil Younghusband have been offered $6,000 each to play for an Indonesian club.

The National Team returns to action on February 9 when they host the Mongolian National Team in Panaad, Bacolod City, in a home-and-away series in the qualifying stages of the AFC Challenge Cup. The visitors are ranked No. 182 in the world by the world governing body Fifa. The Philippines is currently at No. 150.

Business Mirror

44 comments:

  1. I'd prefer if the Germans help the Philippines by helping McMenemy get his license.

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  2. We should honor McMenemy for finally bringing the spotlight to football by retaining his services. He was the coach responsible for what the national team achieved this past year.

    If the Germans would like to help us, then they should do so with training and technology to make our players faster, quicker, stronger and more football-savvy.

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  3. Again, I say the only reason you should take Mcmenemy out is if the expectation when you hired him was to win the Suzuki Cup. Other wise, why would you even think of replacing him?

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  4. Don said...
    Simon McMenemy should stay as coach...it won't be the right time to replace him...he did well but let the DFB work more on the development of the future players from youth, juniors, reserves to ensure the steady pool of players for the international representations.

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  5. Im 100% supporter of Simon, he should remain as coach. But if he will be our head coach coming Challenge Cup and the other tourney, we mite get disqualified coz he doesnt have an A-license. He should process his license ASAP. Im not sure how fast he he can get the A-license.

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  6. McMenemy did a great job, particularly on getting the team to gel together. He's also got great appeal to the media and this will be one way to get more support and interest to the team. He can be a Jose Mourinho if he makes the right decisions. I hope he stays on.

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  7. i agree with all the comment here. replacing Simon would be bad bad move.
    i think its need a week or 2 to get the A-license or maybe less because AFF willingly to help him but PFF still not offer him a new contract

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  8. I can almost guarantee that replacing Simon will eventually result in Philippine football falling back to obscurity.

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  9. maybe mari martinez is behind this...???

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  10. Mr. Simon seems to be the "Underdog"... which appeals to almost all Filipinos, But reality is our team needs professional training and proper team development , which Mr. Simon cannot provide as of the moment. For one thing he does not even have a professional coaching capacity & license to prove him worthy of coaching the National Team. In fairness to him , PFF should help him secure this in the future , but for now what is important is for the TEAM to develop , grow , progress & Improve.

    By sheer luck Mr. Simon was placed in a situation where almost all coaches wanted to be, and by a certain twist of faith he became an overnight sensation and celebrity... who wouldn't want to be in his position. But this is a dream and he is not supposed to linger in that altered state of mind, he has to face reality and work extra hard to achieve and earn it. If Mr. Simon wants to really help the AZKALS and not himself then Let it go for the sake of the Sport... our Team needs the BEST of the BEST ... Why did Manny Pacquio hired the best ??? to WIN...and that is what our officials are doing which is a Great Move...

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  11. kawawa naman si Mr. McMenemy if his service is terminated. Maybe the officers could give him a slut ... oops slot pala ... in the next game so that his face can be shown on television... he could be an endorser , Photogenic eh.

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  12. You STUPID A-HOLE , you don't have the right to treat the Coach that way. Did you do your homework and find out what he had achieved and sacrificed for the sake of the Team. Credentials is a not a necessity , it is his Spirit that makes the AZKALS win.

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  13. THE COACH LET THE AZKALS BE , AS THEY ARE MADE TO BE (WARRIORS) ... HE DID NOT LEAD , TRAIN HONE & DEVELOP THE TEAM... ANOTHER COACH DID IT BEFORE HIM. DID HE EVEN MENTION HIS NAME "NO" . HE THINKS HE CAN FOOL THE RECORD FOR THE HECK OF POPULARITY "NO" . TELL THAT TO ALL FILIPINO COACHES.

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  14. Guy before me,
    nobody understands what the hell you're talking about

    And if you're saying that McMenemy does not deserve credit, consider this...
    The past Philippine teams were probably just as good as the current team, but only Simon was able to lead them to the semifinals of the Suzuki cup.

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  15. Shut up. You arent football fans so stay away and maybe play basketball in your dogyard. You are stupid and very discriminating idiot.

    We never just applaud Mcemeny alone but all of the football staff and the azkals. Everybody are being credited here but if you alway criticize the coach then you are just laying your dirts here.
    You were just trying to get attention so why you just undressed yourself infront of Malacanang Palace. This is a football blog and stupid person like you werent allowed to be here.

    Nobody gives a damn about your comment.

    And for the Azkal players, I hope they wont ever play in Indonesia. Its a fucking place to stay, they will end up losing their ability to play football in a dangerous country. There are better places to play. Nobody appreciates their footballing since its undeserving.

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  16. Deserving or not , he should get his license first , to qualify to coach the AZKALS in the AFC challenge. How he can do that for a short period of time ??? Magic , or the usual "Palakasan" system. There is a proper procedure , training , exams , etc. to undergo . This one night achievement will not give him his license , Unless he calls for a "DOCTOR" to cure his way in.

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  17. The Azkals' recent success had nothing to do with the previous coaches. Etheridge and the Younghusbands got their training in the EPL reserve system. Jonnson in Iceland. De Jong in Holland. Others in the Air Force. The previous coaches probably can take credit for the tactics and player selection that caused the Azkals to be the whipping boys of the AFF.
    If Coach Simon wants to stay long term that is probably a better arrangement than bringing in the Germans for the short term. Perhaps they would coach the WNT. It makes more sense to bring in an American coach for the women as our players don't speak German, and an American coach would be better at recruiting Pinays playing in the US NCAA.

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  18. i dont think its the question of whether to replace simon, but the question of his certification. i dont know what simon's current license is, but i dont think he'll be ready to coach the azkal for the challenge cup on feb 9 or even WC qualifiers on june 29. now, im all for simon to coach the azkals once he gets his A-license. its probably good for the part of NT management to bring in a temporary coach with simon as consultant/asst. coach. then when simon gets his A-license he could switch back to being the coach.

    to the one shouting above
    i dont agree with the opinion, of course simon lead the azkals. simon is coach not a trainer, training is somebody else's job. honing skills? the azkals is the Philippine Football NT its not an academy. yes he develop the team in a short period of time to be a never say die team, how many times did we score a goal in extra time? our defense is pretty good as well. nobody is fooling the record, the record speaks for itself, the biggest upset in SEA football.

    DES BULPIN? i got nothing against him, good person, but he wasn't there in vietnam.

    as one rebel puts it, simon achieved something the US military couldn't do in 10 long years.

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  19. I am not a discriminating idiot, i am just merely relaying the truth . What I am saying is He did not Train , develop , hone , and brought the team in its state now , without the help of their previous trainer, if you don't want to call him their "previous coach". Somebody should take that credit too and not just him . its like the old saying "ikaw ang nagtanim , ikaw ang nagbayo , iba ang kumain".
    As you have mentioned the players were trained in their respective countries, was McMenemy there "NO". Who pulled this team together ? Mr. Palami. How many months was he hired as a "Dummy" Coach , I don't know and that you have to find out.
    Maybe i am a bit racist , but I can dance around Malacanang naked and say that I am not Anti-Filipino.

    It will make sense if we get a Filipino Coach.

    AZKALS is the team to look-up to , not your Coach. I will never sacrifice the whole choir for one "out of key" tune.

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  20. Simon only continued what Des started. I wont give much credit to Des. This is all about Simon. We got the Younghusbands thanks to him, and he has turned the team into a team of winners. How many games did Des have, and how many has Simon had? Kudos to Simon, and STFU to all Des lovers out there. F*** the germans also for wanting a piece of this. Where were they before?! All of a sudden they want a piece of the action. And some special german is out for money. No need to say more.

    Lets keep Simon if he wants to! The team loves him, and so does the country!

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  21. Think about it...An A-license or a completion of his B-license in one month , ??? Something Fishy. He got the limelight in 3 months , maybe he can pull strings together to have that Coaching License ASAP. will it make him a better man or a better coach at that, tell that to the world.

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  22. Let the AZKALS vote be cast , if they want to sacrifice their future careers with their "now" Coach McMenemy. Ask them , and let their voice be heard.

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  23. lets give some trust to mr. palami to make the best decision for the team

    AZKALS go AZKALS

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  24. Naunahan ako ng previous poster...

    Si Palami pala kasi yung magnenegotiate. Eh may pinagsamahan naman sila ni Simon. Hindi naman nya basta paaalisin lang si Simon.

    I can support a German coach on one condition: he gives way to Simon McMenemy once he gets his license.

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  25. If you are a "Coach" you can Train , Teach , Instruct , Prepare , Educate , Improve , Lead and be Followed.

    How lucky can Mcmenemy get , to have all the people behind him to do the dirty job and still get the Solo Picture and the Limelight. Coaches work their butts out as a Trainer , Des was the Trainer , their former clubs , league and academy was the Trainer . For your coach Mcmenemy , no sweat , Easy climb , Trouble Free , Effortless --- Just Because Filipino people loves him or the AZKALS glorify him (which i doubt), does not make him a Real "Coach". Earn it with sweat and blood , justify it with your credentials and deserve it like a Man.

    Maybe PFF thinks , they'd rather pay the German Coaches , than spending for Mr. Mcmenemy's coaching license and waiting for him to finish and complete it. Get Real !!! AZKALS cannot wait , Filipinos will not wait , it's like putting a spike on a runaway to prevent a take-off.

    He did know one thing , your coach knows the Psyche of the Filipino people and he will get them on his side to retain his position. But soon enough , they will know who he really is.

    As for the Vietnam Offer
    Etheridge , Younghusbands , Borromeo , Araneta and all the Rest of the AZKALS deserves to be offered by other countries. Maybe your coach misinterpreted the offer.

    Can Somebody on this blog show us , tell us and vouch for his credentials , certificates & achievements as a National Team Coach besides Coaching the Suzuki cup. Research it if you may , I have a vague idea who he really is , just make it clear to me so i will not be a nuisance to all of his fan. Just give us the facts and the Truth , i really do not believe what has been written and what has been said , for I myself did my own researching, Maybe I have the wrong information.

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  26. I am supporting Mr. Dan Palami in his decision , he knows what is best for the team.

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  27. I am not a Des Fan , I don't even know him until you said so. I am not even a fan of the Germans . All I know is AFC has standards to follow for a coach to qualify as a National Coach... Wanna change that tell that to the marines ...

    AZKALS "Loves" Mcmenemy , Bullshit Lie - AZKALS only love one thing and that is FOOTBALL.

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  28. AZKALS need some credit. They do have a mind of their own. They know that whoever is the coach, they will abide. it's true Coach Des and the local coaches made a great impact on the team. They were together more than Coach Simon was. How sad it is indeed that never did once Coach Simon acknowledged his predecessor and the local coaches' efforts /contribution. I have nothing against Simon, i just think that maybe he can cease making declarations at the meantime and start to work on his license if he really wants to be the head coach of our beloved AZKALS. And no shortcut please, the Azkals do not need "hilaw" na coach.

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  29. In Dan(Palami) we trust!

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  30. Man, this sounds like some other paid hacks are trying to position their masters. How much of a team's personality is the coach? If you really play the game you would know. What exactly did the other coaches provide this team that Simon is reaping all the benefits? How long has that team been together? Coach Aris is a friend of mine and he doesnt have this kind of ill feelings about Simon. And he is the one who should be shouting the loudest if he has been undermined. But then Aris has more class in his little finger than any of you hacks have in your entire body and you can chuck in whoever coach you support. You anti mcmenememy jerks smell blood because his contract has expired. Again, no one who has guts enough to put their names. You guys cant accept that the guy did a marvelous job just by bringing us to the Suzuki Cup and remaining unbeaten in the elimination round. Something no other coach has done. Even Malaysia couldnt remain undefeated in the eliminations. You talk about licenses? licenses didnt get us there. The players are basically the same as before except for Etheridge and Di Jong. The biggest difference was the style of play, its plain to see. And this is all because of who? the previous coaches? Do you guys even listen to your crap and ask if your making any sense? Geez, next topic please.

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  31. Hey hyena guy,now somebody gives a damn about my comment. People Understand what I am talking about, do you.

    I am not an NBA nor PBA fan , I am a full blooded Football fan.

    I will not be laying my dirt to get attention , I know how to sweep the filth

    And I will not shut up

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  32. I really like Simon McMenemy to stay on the team ..I mean look what he has done. Before the Azkals is considered as the "underdogs" in the AFF, but after baeting Vietnam they considered the NT as one of the strongest team. As for the License issue lets just all hope and pray that he can get that license as soon as possible

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  33. As for me I want McMenemy to stay on the team... there is really a great difference between the coaching staff this year than the past years... the records speak for its self ... let us just support the National team and hope that they can win the challenge cup and I think there is no harm in trying a "hilaw na coach" if that means we can qualify for the WC qualifiers.

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  34. Pinoy AZKAL in Jakarta4 January 2011 at 08:20

    FIFA and the bodies that govern football regions around the world follow a strict accreditation process for coaches, Football is one of those sport which has this licensing system for coaches. The PFF is under FIFA and because of this we have to follow this guideline. For the ASEAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION (AFC) Challenge Cup a license "A" coach is needed because AFC is one of the main confederation of FIFA coaching credentials are needed for National Coaches unlike the ASEAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION(AFF)which is one of many organizations under the AFC, Mr. Mcmenemy was not required to have a coaching license to be the head coach of the team.

    There are 3 licenses which you have to go through C,B and A. As far as I know there are only 4 pinoy coaches which has the A license (Marlon Maro, Aris Caslib & 1 other coach sorry I forgot the name he got his A just recently) There are a couple of B License coaches I know some of them Rodolfo Alicante, Jude Carmona, and etc and a lot of C license coaches . These licenses are no joke you have to sweat it out the C license takes about 2 weeks the B license takes about 4 weeks but this is usually done outside the country (Asia) and the A license is 8 weeeks in Germany all license have a Practical & Theoretical test which you have to pass to get the license. The real predicament I see is that this license courses are scheduled throughout the year you just can't apply and get your license the next week or two. This is a task that Mr. Mcmenemy should be able to accomplish first if he wants to continue coaching the AZKALS in FIFA & AFC organized events. His staff for the AFF Suzuki Cup has either the B or C (C.Meredia & C.Bracamonte)

    Simply a coach is the one who brings the team together in the field of play his main concern is team paradigm, strategy and psychological make-up of the team his staff takes care of fitness, skill training and auxiliary support. Simon Mcmenemy is hell of a good coach the fact that he was incorporate his philosophy and strategy to the AZKALS in a short span of time is an achievement some former PH MNT coaches have devoted their professional lives to it have never came close to what he has achieved even Mr. Cutillas has not come close to this achievement (at least with the AZKALS)I believe that Mr. Mcmenemy should be given the chance to further his stint with the AZKALS knowing that he has the right formula for this set of players introducing another coach be counter productive but if he is not allowed due to technicalities he should stay on the staff as a consultant or something till he get the necessary licenses.

    As I recall this is not the 1st time that the Germans have helped Pinoy Football I was fortunate enough to play with the RP youth develomental team during my HS & College days under (C. Casilao) at that time the senior men's team coach was a german coach(I forgot his name) he was the RP youth team's technical consultant. During SEA games 1991 he was at the helm of the team that consists of the likes of Alicante, Pinero, Sabacan, Saluria, and etc... we finished 4th that SEA games inwhich Indonesia won we also drew Vietnam 2 - 2 at the Rizal Memorial. The helped us achieved that feat during our hosting of the games.

    Mr. Mcmenemy should stay on at whatever capacity he can to help the current set of players till he get what is needed and we should welcome the Germans once again because this is a good thing, the world is starting to notice us.

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  35. Pinoy AZKAL in Jakarta4 January 2011 at 08:20

    An interesting note we have a National Training center set - up and sponsored by FIFA at Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo which considers itself the Football Capital of the Philippines. I have been spending my summers there since 2001 bringing manila football boys to experience our own little Brazil. Check that town out and feel the vibe, our homegrown talents are all over the land just give them the chance of exposure they will perform ... Just ask Coach Edsel Bracamonte (he is in the AZKALS coaching staff) homegrown talent of Barotac Nuevo - he should have have been our first homegrown talent to play in Germany or Belgium in 1991. Cheers Bracky congrats again!

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  36. Pinoy AZKAL in Jakarta4 January 2011 at 08:47

    To Hyena;

    Are you in Indonesia? or have you ever been to Indonesia?

    I have been working here since June and I am fortunate enough to be working with good and well mannered Indonesians which compliments our AZKALS in their style of play . I have a chance to play with 2 teams near my residence in a recreational weekend league for football and futsal(non-professional) ans they really play well even for people who are well above 35 years old. In my short experience here I can say that football is imbibe in their culture - we are far from where they are in football - its like Basketball to us.

    Indonesians appreciate a good player when they see one. It's not a dangerous country and chances are instead of losing your ability you could improve because of their on-going professional league that's better than what we have at the moment.

    Just my take on that comment.

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  37. hyena, so you're saying that Indonesia league is a fucking place and azkals players wont improve here? let me tell you, if Indonesia league is lame, why we are in Asian Champions League and The Philippines league not? did you even know, roger milla, mario kempes and many other international footballers who played in the world cup also played in our league? anyway i dont understand why you must bring Indonesia to this matter?

    David-80 from Indonesia, your fucking place.

    cheers

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  38. Dont talk about nonsense because youre a non football fan, Dont talk about being a football fan. Youre crazy, and maybe youre just watching naked MENS magazine all the time.Just do your homework.

    A great coach can make impact even if its just a week. I bet your not watching any bundesliga, la liga or epl matches. If you want to share an opinion please share something worthwhile. Your ruining the image of friendly Phillips. And were not just giving credit to Mcemeny, the credit is for everybody but since he was the coach of course the media circles around him.

    Just do your homework please. If your watching interviews from Barca, Rma, Man u,Chel,Bayern or whatever clubs, the camera represents to the coach but that doesnt mean its all just about the coach.

    a football fan even a grader knows this. So please act like an adult. The issue here is not Mcemeny alone but everybodys achievement,
    AND DONT CRY LIKE A LOSER IF YOUR NAME WASNT MENTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  39. I bet your not reading the news in Indonesia and here in the Philippines. Ive been in those countries and you should know better, Boom boom boom???

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  40. Cant believe i am arguing with an Idiot. lol, over and out.

    Cheers

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  41. The last time I've checked the issue here is about McMenemy being quqlified to coah the Azkals, why do we have to bring other issues up??

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  42. Lets just trust Dan Palami on this decision. You guys should remember that keeping coach Simon will be quite expensive. I mean are u guys willing to shell out what Dan Palami has spent for him? Rather than bicker, we should wait for Mr. Palami to make a decision.
    There are several local coaches whom I feel could give us a similar result at a lesser cost. E.G. Aris Caslib, Norman Fegidero, who guided the team in the Challenge Cup two years ago when we also ended up unbeaten but missed out on goal difference to Tajikistan.
    Coach Simon deserves some credit and so is Mr. Bulpin. But we may never know what's happening behind the scenes because all we see is our team play. But hats off to coach Simon for steering the team. The Azkals have a lot to work on though especially on attack.

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  43. I think coach Simon should really concentrate on getting an A-License so he could go back to the team. He wants to develop football in the country something his predecessor really didn't have in mind else Mr. Bulpin could have stayed. Give credit to coach Simon he deserve it. Even if the coaching job is not for him at the moment i hope that he would go back and assume a post for the development of the sport in he country cause that's one of the things he wanted and plans to achieve. Also, don't blame coach Simon for being fancied by media and some fans he has the charisma that's not his fault.

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  44. If Mr. Simon would stay , how much would he receive for a 3 year contract. PFF was not able to pay Mr. Des Bulpin that is the reason why he left.

    Yes, Mr. Bulpin could have stayed but
    Coaches are people too, they have family to feed and a home to maintain.

    Until when could Mr. Simon sustain an unpaid services. Would you think he would stay with the AZKALS , if he would not be paid for the next few months of a supposed 3-year contract.

    Did you know how much he had received after "leading" the AZKALS to the semi-finals.
    do you know also how much he was asking for that 3 year contract.
    And more so , How much do you think would PFF shell out , for him to get his Licenses and Certifications.
    If McMenemys' die hard fan can spend for this ... reinstate him... feed him , pamper him , arrange his coaching education, build up his career and pay his coaching fee, How lavish is that. Some of the coaches spend from their own pockets and wait in line to achieve and succeed in gaining something with lots of effort.

    Lets trust Mr. Palami , he knows the financial aspects of this matter.

    They need to Invest on the players, now. For one thing there would be an age limit for them to play and this chance are theirs to keep for the rest of their career and Sports History.
    The Coach Matures in time & Experience...

    We need Good "Charismatic" Players , that should be frenzied and fancied by fans and media
    The Coach Does not need that, he needs Coaching Skills...

    What I really doubt is the maturity of Mr. Simon , he will have his own time and place in the Football world as long as he worked hard to achieve it. PFF cannot serve his "capricho" and whim on silver platter,because of the Suzuki cup... he has to taste Dirt one time or another.


    Mr Simon "charisma" and popularity with the media came about because of the AZKALS , he has to recognize that.
    One note to Mr. McMenemy , please don't ask around if You "Look Good" on live television, nor be saying that you will be careful with the media not to be seen on bars with "girls" because your a celebrity now.More so be saying that you are being offered a contract by Vietnam to coach (what)...Because People can hear you loud and clear.

    Mr. Palami had the right decision to let go of Mr Simon, no strings attached , and I will support his firm choice and choices along the way.

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