Full-strength Azkals focus on Challenge Cup q’lifying

THE AFC Challenge Cup could be make-or-break for coach Michael Weiss, but the Azkals insist there’s no added pressure for them, saying they remain focused on the task of qualifying for the main tournament next year in the Maldives.

Weiss, who has already led the squad to the AFF Suzuki Cup semifinals and third place in the AFC Challenge Cup, was given a six-month extension by the Philippine Football Federation, which could be extended if he brings the side to the Maldives.

The German has made no secret of his desire to be at the helm of the team  and steer them to the AFC Asian Cup in Australia in 2015.

“Our target is to qualify for the finals and hopefully, the Asian Cup,” said stand-in skipper Rob Gier. “Football is results-based. It’s cutthroat, especially for coaches. But we are focused on the task at hand, which is to qualify.”

Weiss is handling the strongest PH team yet with the likes of Stephan Schrock and Javier Patino in the lineup together with experienced campaigners Phil Younghusband, Jerry Lucena, Dennis Cagara and Paul Mulders.