MANILA, Philippines — The decision of Filipino-German midfielder Stephan Schrock to quit the Philippine Azkals already surprised sports fans. The reason for his exit, however, was even more shocking.
In a Facebook post, Schrock, addressing his fans, said that American head coach Thomas Dooley is the reason why he decided to quit the Philippine men’s national football team. In the same post, he also made it clear that he wouldn’t be part of the Azkals with Dooley manning the sidelines.
“It’s not true that [I don’t] wanna play for Philippines anymore,” said Schrock, who has struck three goals in 17 appearances for the Azkals. “It was always a pleasure for me and [I] feel still honored to have the possibility to play for my country, the country where my heart belongs. I wanna be honest to you, cause you deserve the truth. As long as coach dooley will lead the team [I] won’t wear the jersey of Azkals again.”
“Anyway [I’m] still one of you, & [I’m] proud to be one of u! I wish [you] all the best, for the football and for the team!! I hope [I] will give my comeback one day!! Thank you all for your support, keep going!! maraming salamat Po! Ingat (Thank you! Take care), schrocky, ” the post read.
From Stephan Shrock Facebook account
After Schrock, another key cog for the Azkals, Filipino-Danish defender Dennis Cagara followed suit.
“Dooley is also the reason why I won’t play for the Azkals for the moment,” Cagara posted on his Twitter account just moments after Schrock’s shocking announcement.
From Dennis Cagara Twitter account
Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge then took to Twitter to express his sadness over Cagara’s decision to quit the Azkals over Dooley.
From Neil Etheridge Twitter account
Dooley was hired as Azkals’ head coach only early this year after team management decided not to renew the contract with former German mentor Hans Michael Weiss.
Stephan Schroeck INQUIRER file photo
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