The Philippine Azkals have secured the commitment of key foreign-based stalwarts for next month’s AFF Suzuki Cup in Bangkok, but would have to exert extra efforts and persuasion to get the release of top goalkeepers Neil Etheridge and Roland Muller for the ambitious title drive.
“Players based abroad like Jerry Lucena, Dennis Cagara, and Ray Jonsson, nagsabi na (have confirmed) they will be available for the Suzuki Cup,” team manager Dan Palami said during yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate, referring to the Fil-Danish duo and Fil-Icelandic player, whose presence will bolster the Azkals’ backline.
“Ang problema na lang siguro (The only cause of concern at this point) would be the goalkeepers because their clubs have games in those days as well as (Stephan) Schrock,” he added.
Fil-British Etheridge has extended his loan with Bristol Rovers, which will have games on Nov. 24 and 27, the same dates the Azkals are slated to collide with Thailand and Vietnam in the Suzuki Cup.
“It will be difficult because he’s on loan and he’s been really performing well for his club. But we’ll see. We’ll make all the efforts (to get his release for a few games),” Palami said of their first choice keeper.
Fil-German Muller of MSV Duisburg is the next best option for the Azkals, who will also have to lean on Phl-based Eduard Sacapano of Army and Ref Cuaresma of Loyola Meralco Sparks just in case.
“We’ll try to talk to Muller’s club and ask him to play and at the same time we’ll prepare the local-based keepers as much as we can,” he said.
Versatile Fil-German midfielder Schrock ‘s Bundesliga club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim also has games on the Suzuki Cup dates, making it difficult to secure his participation in the event.
The Azkals based in Manila, like Chieffy Caligdong, Misagh Bahadoran, Marwin Angles, Denis Wolf, Phil and James Younghusband, Carli de Murga, Demit Omphroy and Matt Uy, are slated to continue training in two mini camps in the country, prior to the Nov. 15 friendly with Singapore in Cebu, their last game before the Suzuki Cup.
Palami is confident the current crop can contend for the title, having more arsenal than they had in 2010, when they surprised the world with a semis appearance.
“Certainly, we have a stronger team. Now we have a lot of offensive options, unlike in 2010 when we had to really concentrate on defense and just counter (attacking). This time we can actually build up and really set ourselves up for scoring opportunities. Of course, the quality of players have improved as well as the conditioning and fitness level,” he said.
“We have prepared the best way we can. We hope this reaps dividends come Nov. 24 and onwards,” he added.
Asked about the Azkals’ target, Palami said: “Championship, of course.”
Palami compares Phl XI to “an elementary student about to graduate to the high school level” as they set out to achieve a milestone in the Suzuki Cup.
philstar
there's that racist term again.
ReplyDeleteWhat racist term? Looks like you don't even know definition of "racist"!!
Delete"Asked about the Azkals’ target, Palami said: “Championship, of course.”"
And there he goes opening that fat mouth of his!!!
and do tell what the fuck is wrong in targeting the championship? you are such a dimwit!
Delete^^Ya no shit everybody wants to win the title! However, believe it or not, we are NOT genuine title contenders this time around! We reached the semis last time and that was a fluke. Now all of a sudden he comes out and flat out says the target is to win the championship!?!? BS!! And then when we do fail, look who stays all pretty and criticism free....
DeleteHe did the same prior the SEA Games and said the target was to get at least a bronze, look at how that turned out and look at who got most of the blame, wasn't him which in itself is BS! He did it again ahead of the AFC Challenge Cup and said the target was to reach the semis at least. Lucky for him they actually achieved the target. Now he's done it again ahead of the Suzuki Cup. He opens his mouth way too much for a team manager, a position where you're not supposed to be heard from all that much!!
"Asked about the Azkals’ target, Palami said: “Championship, of course.”"
ReplyDeleteWhat is wrong with that?, ovously all of the team are looking to win and to be name as a champion... none will say they come to loose!
so will you please stop this BS!
FYI Gents...
ReplyDeleteJames Braddock nicknamed "The Cinderella Man" was never thought to win and become champion nor beat a powerful punching champion like Max Baer. Two boxers died on Max Baers punching hands before he fought James Braddock.
Everybody including his wife thought that Braddock cannot win against a giant in boxing then like Max Baer. He proved them wrong and he won the Championship.
Guys...the lesson here is never stop believing that the Azkals can win. They need it. Also let us not give them too much confidence...that they may under estimate their opponents.