PFF, thanks for everything š¤... jumping through hoops to get from city to city, 24 hours of transit instead coulda been 7, lack of support from your organization, making us pay our way for visas, not reimbursing flights some players paid for, having Maja AƱo a long time employee disrespect saying "Whatever Anton, you shouldn't have gone on the trip.", calling us the B team, calling us up a couple days before knowing we'd have to drop everything, promising opportunity to players but not even sending the coach to see them, the list could go on...
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Why I say thank you is because it only made the character of the team stronger. You guys put us through hell but we still stood side by side for each other playing our heart out for flag and country men.
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The "B team" reminded me of the old Azkal days when nothing in return was expected but at the same time giving their all. Our coach flew in the day of the 1st game with 4 players, and after almost 24 hours of traveling they played and won! This is what it's about, all pride, no complaints.
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It was amazing that players did not complain about each other or management. We were a team. I almost left the camp because I have so much to do back home but it was bc of these guys that kept me around. I do not regret the choice at all. We were all there for each other and focused on one goal, represent the country to the best of our ability.
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A lot of the guys will have many more opportunities to wear the Jersey but if the PFF staff can't understand the importance of wearing the Jersey how are we supposed to excel to our fullest. The sooner all of them understand that this Jersey is not just any Jersey and that we represent more than each other the team and the flag, that we are chosen amongst MILLIONS of people and put our lives on the line for them, maybe then we will see PFF change.
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Should this be my last stint with the MNT I'd happily leave knowing y'all were my teammates. Thank you for the respect given to me, I will always be "Kuya" to you all. Very proud of each and every one of you. One day you all will be able to create the memories I've created in my head. THANK YOU! šµš
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Legit sentiments, no doubt except for the whole 'B' team thing. He's just butt hurt in this regard.
ReplyDeleteLet's be honest and clear. That team in Bangladesh was not the full national team! Squad wise as well as coaching staff wise. Due to the number of engagements the national team has coming up, and that the tournament would start outside the international window, it was already planned that a reserve team at best would be competing in the Bangabandhu Cup.
Every passionate football player should honestly self-evaluate his talent and skills in the game. He should develop those in his club or school and not in the PFF. Remember there are only 11 players playing and sitting on the bench for the entire tournament should not be his option. He must be either one of coach's favorites or top 5 players in the team. Being added in the last minute means that you're really not part of the team, but a gap filler. Too bad for Anton, I believe he did not even play. Remember Alfonse Areola, got his World Cup Gold medal and team photo but did not even played a single game. I bet he's not too thrill about it.
ReplyDeleteThe PFF should be careful with their words when speaking to the players. It is not helping when the staff will say you belong to a "B" team. There is a sports psychology that we should understand - saying things that could hurt the players emotion is not appropriate. Without their "B" team no one would represent the Azkals in Bangladesh. Let us be equal to the treatment may it be foreign born Pinoy or our homegrown. These team who are composed 80% homegrowns made an unexpected performance in Bangladesh who for the many is not comparable to their Foreign born brothers in terms of skill and experience but what the hell, our homegrowns brothers can level up if only given a chance to shine in the big stage. The PFF just love to poach talent born abroad and too lazy to nurture our homegrown based players.
ReplyDeleteyung pinadala sa bangladesh, never nagtrain ng magkakasama, pinalitan last minute yung iba na mga nasa line up dahil yung ibang players biglang hindi nirelease ng clubs, some players and coaches dumating mismo sa 1st game, return ticket nila maaga dahil iniisip ng PFF hindi sila magqualify for semis. pff grabe tiwala niyo sa players niyo ah galing
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