Busy June for Azkals

CEBU CITY—National football coach Michael Weiss is adamant that the Azkals maximize the international break by playing three matches in June to keep themselves sharp as they prepare for the AFC Challenge Cup in the Maldives next year.

So far, the Philippine Football Federation has only confirmed a friendly with Hong Kong on June 4 at Mongkok Stadium, with a clash against Indonesia in Jakarta on June 8 also in the works.

The PFF is also planning to hold a friendly on June 12 possibly in this city, but several countries that have been invited, including Vietnam, have begged off.

“I made my suggestions after discussing with the technical director Aris Caslib,” said Weiss, who is monitoring the progress of national players in the Global side seeing action in the AFC President’s Cup here,

“I think we are unanimous at the opinion that we need three matches in June and I hope the federation and the people responsible in organizing it are moving in that direction.”

The German coach also believes that it won’t be cost-effective for the Azkals to play just one match, especially if they will be bringing in players based in Europe for the match.

“The question is if it’s worth bringing them (Europe-based) players to just one game,” Weiss said. “I think we should take the opportunity to have three games and promote the game of football more.”

Weiss said Global’s participation in the AFC President’s Cup only augurs well for the Azkals’ Challenge Cup preparations as the likes of Patrick Reichelt, Jeffrey Christiaens, Misagh Bahadoran, Marwin Angeles, Jason de Jong, Carli de Murga and Juani Guirado are getting the opportunity to face tough opposition at the club level.

With the likes of Stephan Schrock, Jerry Lucena and Dennis Cagara doubtful for the Challenge Cup next year since it comes at a time when there are matches in European leagues, Weiss said he may end up fielding the local-based players in the tournament.

“We will be relying mostly on local players and these are the players we need to take care of,” said Weiss. “It (the tournament) is a good pressure situation and we’ll see how many of the players are ready for the national team.”

Global was facing a do-or-die scenario against Dordoi Bishkek of Kyrgyzstan after losing to Khan Research Laboratories of Pakistan last Friday.

KRL nailed a berth in the final round of the tournament, after drubbing Yeedzin of Bhtan, 8-0, yesterday at Cebu City Sports Complex.