Suzuki Cup biggest test for Weiss

MANILA, Philippines — National  football team manager Dan Palami Wednesday expressed satisfaction over the performance of coach Michael Weiss since he took the helm in January 2011, but said the biggest test has yet to come for the German mentor.

Under Weiss, the Azkals reached the second round of World Cup Qualifying and nailed third spot in the AFC Challenge Cup, where they came all the way from pre-qualifying to within a whisker of making the finals.

The Azkals’ run of good results has pushed the country’s Fifa ranking to an all-time high of 147.

Weiss’ biggest test, however, will come in the AFF Suzuki Cup three weeks from now where the Philippines will try to at least match its historic semifinal finish two years ago in Vietnam. The Azkals, who open their campaign against Thailand on Nov. 24, have also been grouped with Vietnam and top qualifier Myanmar.

“It took him awhile to adjust (in the Philippines),” said Palami of the German mentor. “But he has made some remarkable achievements for a new coach.”

Weiss signed a two-year deal with the Philippine Football Federation in January 2011 and Palami hinted that there have been initial talks for an extension.

“The final and acid test for him (Weiss) is the Suzuki Cup,” said Palami.