Cooper wants mix of youth and experience

Philippine coach Scott Cooper may have identified some new recruits for the Azkals for the World Cup Qualifiers, but that doesn’t mean he’s closing the door on several players who have represented the country in the past.

With the deadline for registration less than two weeks away, the Azkals mentor said he will also put emphasis on current form and health as he prepares the team to chase a spot in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as well as the 2023 Asian Cup in China.

Some of the new players identified to beef up the team include Michael Kempter, Elias Mordal, Jesse Curran and Raphael Obermair, who is still looking to secure his Filipino passport.

The Azkals fielded an aging squad in the AFC Asian Cup in January and as much as Cooper prefers to bring in young players, he is also taking into account the experience that can be injected into the team.

“We’re looking to bring in younger players, but that doesn’t mean the door is closed on anybody,” Cooper told the Inquirer.

“We’re just trying to keep our options wide open before we can decide what is going to be the best balance for the squad,” he went on. “We want some experience and youth and play some attractive football.”

Cooper stressed that the new players have Filipino roots and are not being naturalized unlike in other countries.

One of the Azkals’ opponents in Group A, China, has reportedly worked on naturalizing Brazilian striker Elkeson to make himself eligible for the global qualifiers.

Elkeson is the second leading scorer of the Chinese Super League.

“From that perspective, we’re proud to have an all-Filipino team,” Cooper said.

The Azkals are also grouped with Guam, the Maldives and Syria, which they will play in their opening game on Sept. 5 at Panaad Stadium in football-crazy Bacolod City.

Only the top team in the group is guaranteed of a spot in the next round together with the four best second-placed teams from the eight qualifying groups.

“We can be confident and optimistic but also be realistic,” Cooper said.

“We know we have to work hard.”