Mike Ott makes older brother Manny proud. Photo by Cedelf Tupas
It was a reunion many years in the making and it would have been perfect – save for the result.
With his parents who flew all the way from Germany watching from the stands, German second division veteran Mike Ott made his much anticipated debut for the Philippines in the 1-3 loss to Bahrain Friday night, joining forces with older brother, Manny, for the first time at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Three years younger than Manny at 21, Mike, an attacking midfielder, scored just four minutes after coming in at halftime, but the Azkals couldn’t salvage a game that exposed their defensive frailties and sputtering attack ahead of the AFF Suzuki Cup.
“I’m proud and I’m sad at the same time,” said Manny. “I’m proud of my brother (for scoring), but really disappointed with the result. We were just not good enough (to win) tonight.”
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Manny struggled to remember the last time he and Mike played for the same team until Friday night. Their parents Jimmy and Dory, who hails from Boracay, were part of the sparse crowd, beaming with pride.
“Maybe when we were kids. I just remember me and him playing in our backyard in Germany,” said the Munich-raised midfielder. “He’s a good player and in the 45 minutes he came in, the game changed if you compare it to the first half.”
Mike who has been playing for the second team of Nurenberg FC since 2014 was called up by ex Azkals coach Michael Weiss in 2013 although he wasnt fielded in the match against Hong Kong.
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Azkals coach Thomas Dooley said Mike Ott has long been in his wishlist since he took over in 2014. But the younger Ott was
focused on his club career in Germany where he was trying to land a spot on Nurenberg’s first team.
“Mike came in and he’s excellent,” Dooley said. You can see that he’s a guy who can finish. He has great touches like his brother. There’s a reason why his club in Germany got him. He has something that could help us a lot in the future.”
“It’s always hard to come here because we are only available in the Fifa dates,” said Mike. “Two years ago, I changed my club in Germany and I wanted to show my skills in the first team that’s why my priority was there then.”