Azkals coach Weiss optimistic about contract extension after Suzuki Cup

by Karl Decena

BANGKOK, Thailand – Philippine national men’s football team coach Hans Michael Weiss is optimistic that he will get a contract extension regardless of the result of the Azkals’ campaign in the 2012 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup here.



The contract of Weiss, who was hired shortly after the Azkals’ memorable semifinal run in the Suzuki Cup two years ago, is set to expire shortly after the tournament. But he believes that the Philippine Football Federation and the management will still tap him to steer the team in the future.


“The signals from the PFF and the team manager are clear that we will continue,” Weiss said. “If not, that is the life of a coach. We have to be prepared for that.”

Weiss also thinks that some Filipino fans don’t recognize his efforts in improving the Azkals since his tenure as a coach.

“Many people in the country, in my opinion, dream a little too much about going to the semifinals and the finals and sometimes forget the hard work behind it,” he said. “What I know is that I get very positive remarks from outside the Philippines.”

“Inside the country, it is different.”


During his tenure, the Azkals achieved their highest world ranking at 143rd after playing several international friendlies and competitions this year, including their third place finish in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup last March and the Philippine Football Peace Cup last September where they emerged as champion.

Despite that, Weiss still believes that making the Azkals one of the strong teams in the region is a gradual process which cannot happen overnight.

"It takes time, it’s very clear,” he said. “We are looking for the overall development, not only the short term win.”

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