06 June 2012

Weiss: There’s improvement, but we’re not yet there

By Dennis Gasgonia, ABS-CBNnews.com



MANILA, Philippines – Football coach Hans Michael Weiss said the Philippine Azkals have showed improvements in their style of play during their friendly game against Indonesia on Tuesday.
Weiss said the Azkals have become more offense-oriented based on their numerous ball possessions against Timnas Indonesia.
“We have 80% of the ball possession. That is different soccer than what the Philippines played three years ago, which focused on defending. Now we play [aggressive] football,” said Weiss shortly after their 2-2 draw with Indonesia.
However, the German coach said there is still room for improvement.
He said he hopes to bring his players together for an extended time so that can prepare for the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup in November.
“We are not yet there, I think we can go much further. If I have the team for six months, I see the team really going far in the Suzuki Cup,” said Weiss.
Aside from playing against Indonesia, the Azkals also clashed with Malaysia.
The friendly game that took place in Malaysia’s turf ended in a scoreless draw.
The Filipino squad will next face Guam at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City on June 12, Independence Day.
Weiss said he will likely field his second unit, which scored the goals against Indonesia.
“I wanna go with a very strong squad. I want to work on cohesion with the top players. I would give one or the other player a chance but basically we'll play the top, top players,” he said.
“The team we saw in the second half will be probably in the starting line up. We'll have a very strong team and we'll play a fantastic match in Bacolod.”

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