Philippine Daily Inquirer
GERMAN coach Michael Weiss yesterday
tempered expectations on the Philippines’ campaign in the AFF Suzuki Cup in
November, saying the Azkals’ chances will depend on how tough they will prepare
for the tournament.
Matching the semifinal appearance of 2010
is not far-fetched so long as the Azkals are committed to the intensive buildup,
he stressed.
“If preparations go well and much better
just like the preparations to the Challenge Cup, we will have a very good chance
to go to the semifinals,” said Weiss in an e-mail to the Inquirer.
The German mentor is expected to return to
Manila from Germany next week to begin the crucial stretch of their preparations
for the tournament, which he anticipates to be much difficult than the AFC
Challenge Cup, where the Azkals finished third.
Weiss has tipped host Thailand to come out
on top of the Philippines’ group that also includes Vietnam and the winner of
the qualifying event in October in Yangon, Myanmar.
“The draw is good, similar to the
Challenge Cup” said Weiss, whose Azkals wound up second to North Korea in the
group stage of the Challenge Cup where they beat former champions India and
Tajikistan.
“Most likely, Thailand has the best
chances with the home advantage to win the group,” said Weiss. “We will be taken
more seriously and therefore have to prepare for a more physical approach from
our opponents.
“The next months will be highly demanding
for our players from the physical and mental point of view.”
No comments:
Post a Comment