Coach Weiss not worried by Azkals’ circuitous trips

Photo from Ace Bright's Twitter page

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine football team coach Michael Weiss allayed fears on Sunday that the long trips in Germany and the travel from Frankfurt to Colombo would take a toll on the Azkals when they face Sri Lanka for their World Cup first-round qualifying clash on Wednesday.

“The team is tired, but this is normal,” Weiss said in an e-mail to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“But we will be in good shape on Wednesday,” assured the German coach.

Striker Phil Younghusband has taken note of the long travels in Germany when the Azkals went on the road to play tuneup matches against second- and third-division clubs.

The Azkals arrived in Colombo on Sunday after a 15-hour trip from Frankfurt, that included a five-hour stopover in Dubai.

Azkals skipper Aly Borromeo said the team’s focus has been placed on Sri Lanka.

“We’re recuperative from all the travel,” said Borromeo. “But our mindset is now on the Sri Lanka match in three days.”

Filipino-German right back Stephan Schrock and Fil-Danish attacking midfielder Paul Mulders are expected to make their international debut against Sri Lanka.

The Azkals, however, will surely miss Filipino-Danish standout Jerry Lucena in the first leg because of an Achilles injury.

Weiss did not discount the possibility of Lucena, who played two games for the Azkals in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers in Myanmar, playing in the second leg on Sunday in Manila.

Weiss is also unsure of the status of Fil-Icelandic leftback Ray Jonsson, who failed to make the trip with the team to Colombo as he seeks clearance from his club, Grindavik.

Weiss said he was satisfied with the Azkals’ two-week camp in Germany.

“The camp brought the players together,” said Weiss. “We were challenged by strong opponents and we could see that there is still a lot to learn. It’s also very important that there is communication in the group, not only on the pitch.”

Said Younghusband: “The purpose of the camp was to prepare for Sri Lanka, and I think we are ready.”