Azkals' coach wary of Mongolia

By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA



MANILA, Philippines � Although the Philippine Azkals rank way above Mongolia in the international rankings, German coach Michael Weiss said they are not discounting the Mongolians when they clash in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifier on February 9 in Bacolod City.

The Azkals boast of a No. 153 FIFA rankings compared to Mongolia�s 182, but Weiss remains wary of the Mongolians, who according to scouting reports, are planning to train in Guangzhou, China to acclimatize for one week before coming to Bacolod.

�There seems to be a transition in their team. We heard that some players are young and less experienced, while others are injured,� said Weiss at the PSA Forum in Shakey�s UN Avenue.

Weiss, who succeeded British coach Simon McMenemy is not underestimating their rival, adding they could also pull an upset the same way the Filipinos did against the heavily-favored Vietnamese at the AFF Suzuki Cup last December.

Weiss expects Fil-foreign players that include Neil Etheridge, Chris Greatwitch, Jason de Jong and Rob Gier to arrive on February 6.

�It would be better if we have the group complete on an earlier time. Still, I�m trying to squeeze out the best of the team as much as I can,� said Weiss, who has helped in developing the football system in Rwanda before joining the Azkals.

�But with the mix of cultures and the way they are responding as far as training, conditioning and technical aspects are concerned, there is a good possibility of developing a well-balanced team,� he said.

Skipper Ali Borromeo, meanwhile, said the transition to a new coach has brought a new dimension to squad.

�He knows the potential of the team and gives a variety of techniques in our conditioning. We�ve been working and stepping up on our attacking style of approach, while trying to put pressure on our opponent to commit more mistakes,� Borromeo said.

�On paper, we look really strong. Everyone�s in good spirits, but we haven�t been really tested. We�ll see against Mongolia,� he added.

The second tie will be held on March 15 in Mongolia.

Photo by Bob Dungo JR

Manila Bulletin