Ex-Azkals coach now Dooley’s chief deputy

Azkals’ head coach Thomas Dooley. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

FORMER national team coach Aris Caslib has rejoined the Azkals’ braintrust as chief deputy of Thomas Dooley starting with the Asian Cup and World Cup Qualifying clash against Uzbekistan on Thursday in Tashkent.

Caslib, who is also the Philippine Football Federation’s technical director, joined the delegation that traveled to the Uzbek capital last Saturday night.

Dooley welcomed Caslib’s addition to the staff, saying the former national coach can infuse new ideas to the Azkals’ play as well as his knowledge of young players in the side.

“He is definitely a big help with his knowledge of the younger players and his experience coaching in the Asian level,” said Dooley.

Caslib replaced German Sebastian Stache in the staff.

Caslib had two stints as head coach of the Azkals and mentored the U-23 side that played in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games which the country hosted. He last coached the national side in the 2009 Challenge Cup in the Maldives.