In search of wins, Azkals also looking to regain relevance

Philippine Azkals’ starting XI. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Philippine Azkals are not just fighting for a satisfying result that would end their poor form of late when they take on Nepal in an international friendly match on Thursday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

“I kind of feel that we lost the connection with fans a little bit,” veteran defender Daisuke Sato said on the eve of the 7 p.m. contest that officially kicks off the second tenure of Michael Weiss as Azkals coach.

Sato and the Azkals are banking on Weiss to revitalize an Azkals side that has won only three of its last 11 matches in a span of 12 months.

The spate of losses has also translated into a struggle to regain relevance within the local football scene with attention now centered—deservedly—on the Filipinas’ upcoming campaign in the Fifa (International Federation of Association Football) Women’s World Cup.

“That is something we’re looking to get back,” said Sato. “I understand that much of the attention is on women’s football. But [tonight], we want all fans to give attention to men’s football again, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Semblance of hope

In order for Sato to see his wishes fulfilled, the Azkals will need to give some semblance of hope as they now play under their fourth coach since the Asian Cup Qualifiers in 2022.

Weiss will handle a mixture of some of his wards that were the central figures in his initial run from 2011 to 2013 and a group of youngsters based here and abroad tasked to put the trajectory of the Azkals back upwards.

“It’s gonna be a new journey for the Azkals,” said Sato. “The last couple of years has not been the best time for the Azkals, but I’m looking forward to a new start.”

The friendlies against Nepal and Chinese-Taipei, which is set for Monday at the same venue, are being used to plant the initial seeds in Weiss’ hope for a competitive side come the initial window for the joint qualifiers of the World Cup and Asian Cup in November.

But Weiss bared that the Azkals will be shorthanded due to injuries sustained by veteran Manny Ott, Atletico Madrid youth player Santi Rublico and Amani Aguinaldo.

The Azkals have lost the previous four matches, with their last victory coming last December against Brunei in the Asean Football Federation Championship.