Philippine Daily Inquirer
THE PHILIPPINE Football Federation has
offered men’s national team coach Michael Weiss a six-month contract extension.
PFF general secretary Edwin Gastanes
conveyed the offer to Weiss in a meeting Saturday, although the German coach who
steered the Azkals to the semifinals of both the AFC Challenge Cup and the AFF
Suzuki Cup last year, has asked for more time to consider the offer.
Weiss’ current two-year contract won’t
expire until Jan. 16, according to PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta.
The offer meant that the PH team’s
performance in the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers in Manila in March could be
make-or-break for the German, who has set his sights on steering the Azkals to
the AFC Cup in Australia in 2015.
Under Weiss’ tutelage, the Azkals have won
16 matches, drawn 11 and lost 10.
Meanwhile, the national side is hoping to
tap Fil-Spanish striker Javier Patino for the AFC Challenge Cup.
Azkals manager Dan Palami said Patino, who
plays
for
Cordoba in the Spanish second division, “plays at a high level.”
for
Cordoba in the Spanish second division, “plays at a high level.”
“With his experience and quality, he will
be an asset to the team,” Palami said.
Its not the right time to sack Weiss with the upcoming qualifier, so its in its place to offer a short extention. It would be a disaster if they booted him now and didnt have a better replacement. Im sure Weiss wont get an extention after the 6 months if he decides to say yes to the new offer. Who knows, maybe he might be offended of this offer.
ReplyDeleteLets wait and see. Personally i hope this will be his last term with the azkals.
Whether people like him or not, only a six month extension is a bit insulting. At the same time, it's a waste of time for both parties! Either offer at least a one year extension or find someone else. Sure, it's easier said than done finding a new coach but surely the PFF would have had some sort of shortlist on hand knowing that there would have been the possibility that they wouldn't keep Weiss after his contract was up.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone noticed the sudden disappearance of an
ReplyDeleteearlier report here that Global FC have signed a Scottish manager called Brian Reid arriving next week?
These strange things going on with Araneta and Palami and Weiss mean it might be worth watching this space.
Humble apologies....
ReplyDeletethe above report has already been moved to the blog archive.
The expression used to describe Coach Weiss in North America is that if he agrees to this, he would be a "lame duck". His authority would be questioned and he would not be in a position to make long term plans. If he absolutely has to be successful in his next tournament, or lose his job, he may not sit players for fitness or discipline issues or be forced to cater to the demands of prima donna PFF executives or players. Yes it is an insult. If he does accept it, I assume that he will immediately begin to look for another position.
ReplyDeleteWhether Coach Weiss is the best available talent available, is something I am not in a position to judge. However PFF management have definitely handled this contract renewal poorly.
Six months to bring the Philippines up to par with the rest of its Asian neighbors with a dream of going to an Australian tournament? You gotta be kidding me! Coach Weiss is a good realistic coach but he is not Superman. PFF may as well give Coach Weiss his walking papers and announce a new head coach. Mr. Araneta be realistic about your expectations. If Coach Weiss walks away, he will be a big loss to the stability of the Philippine program.
ReplyDeleteJust some comments on the previous post:
ReplyDelete1. He does not have 6 months only... he was given 2 years already
2. Challenge cup is not the " rest of Asia"... it involves on the football developing asian nations.. and were talking only about the qualifiers
3. He will not be a big loss.... he is a big stumbling block actually to the popularity of the sports
A 6 month offer is insulting to say the least. Is there a replacement available? What people complain about in terms of Weiss' coaching philosophy should be weighed against his experience with dealing with Asian and Filipino management. I hope we don't end up messing up a good thing.
ReplyDeleteAnd please don't forget the German football connection that was established during Weiss' stint.
ReplyDelete