Young centerback Amani Aguinaldo sees no reason to panic even as the Philippine Azkals look short on options in defense with the clash against Singapore looming in the opener of the AFF Suzuki Cup at Philippine Sports Stadium tomorrow.
With Daisuke Sato and Simone Rota ruled out due to club commitment and injury, respectively, and the likes of Rob Gier, Jerry Lucena and Juani Guirado retiring early this year, the 21-year-old Aguinaldo said he is ready to take on a bigger responsibility for an Azkals defense that has been a source of strength in previous Suzuki Cup tournaments.
“I know I have to step up my game and I have to be a leader at the back,” Aguinaldo told the Inquirer yesterday.
“I have to show that the team can rely on me.”
Aguinaldo rued Sato’s absence as the duo played solid in the 1-0 win over Kyrgyzstan last week. “We were starting to play well together. We have a good understanding being teammates at Global before.”
Martin Steuble, who has emerged as the first-choice rightback, will also miss the Singapore clash tomorrow due to suspension, after he was sent off in the second leg of the semifinals against Thailand two years ago.
Azkals coach Thomas Dooley is confident Aguinaldo can handle the challenge of leading the makeshift backline.
“We’re taking it on a game-to-game basis,” said Dooley on the status of the Azkals’ defense.
Although his role and responsibility is bigger now, Aguinaldo knows what he needs to do for the Azkals to succeed.
“My major task is to be the leader in the back,” he said, grateful that he had veterans like Gier to guide him in his early years with the team.
“I need to delegate tasks. I can’t do it by myself. I have to organize the defense, the shape and how to handle counterattacks,” added Aguinaldo.
Aguinaldo feels it’s about time the Azkals finally win a trophy.
“Over the years, we really wanted to win and prove that the Philippines is the best in Southeast Asia,” said Aguinaldo. “We need to win a major trophy.”
Read more: http://sports.inquirer.net/229766/depleted-azkals-ready#ixzz4QJDbe6si
I hope they lose so theyll realize they cant rely on imports.
ReplyDeleteMr. Anonymous, if I were you, I'll just keep my mouth shut. The game is in your country and you are not accomplishing anything.
DeleteI agree with anonymous. Change is coming to philippine soccer
DeleteWho do you think will be initiating the change? Nonong Araneta or Palami? For one thing they were the ones who recruited the imports. They also paid for all their travel expenses to be in Manila. They also hired the coach.
DeleteI don't know how these anons are cursing the present MNT. They are even unknown before Araneta and Palami. Grassroots in on-going, but don't expect them to be ready by now. I also doubt that you or your sons didn't even play football to contribute to the awareness of the sport in our country.
DeleteI don't know how these anons are cursing the present MNT. They are even unknown before Araneta and Palami. Grassroots in on-going, but don't expect them to be ready by now. I also doubt that you or your sons didn't even play football to contribute to the awareness of the sport in our country.
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ReplyDeleteAzkals is just a profiteering gimmick and not really for sports development. How come they keep recruiting abroad when there are new talents cropping here?
ReplyDeleteAguinaldo will get injured in the Singapore match. from then on, it will be m-m-m-mayhem.
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ReplyDeleteFuck off "ABrooks"!! You're a fuckin goody two shoes whose also a dumb ass!!
DeleteWe got one low life agitator here! Eliminate Anon posting and we can tag people like this one.
DeleteJika anda dapat membaca ini, tempat ini adalah bukan untuk anda.
DeleteThat anonymous agitator is none other than Eric Dimzon. Comes around whenever theres a tournament. Google him. Find him on twitter and tell him how ugly he is and that he is a crap journalist.
Deleteso what happens if Aguinaldo or any of our "defenders" get injured? bye bye football?
ReplyDelete