‘Improved’ Azkals tackle Kyrgyzstan tonight

Thomas Dooley. Photo by
Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Admitting that his “experiments” did not work in the last two matches, Philippine Azkals coach Thomas Dooley vowed an improved performance when they battle Kyrgyzstan tonight, the final warmup match before the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Kickoff is at 8 p.m. at Rizal Memorial Stadium with the Azkals looking to build confidence heading into their biggest challenge yet.

The Azkals absorbed a couple of 1-3 losses to Bahrain and North Korea in friendlies last month, putting into question the team’s readiness for the Suzuki Cup, which starts Nov. 19.

The team looked slow, was bereft of ideas on attack and lacked defensive organization.

Dooley insists he has already addressed the problems.

“Of course, our focus is the Suzuki Cup and we don’t want to commit the same mistakes like the last time against Bahrain and North Korea,” said Dooley. “I tried to find something out with the team and it didn’t work out and I put it on my head.”