Showing posts with label Hans Michael Weiss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hans Michael Weiss. Show all posts
Monday, 6 August 2012
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Azkals Coach Gets Thumbs Up
By JONAS TERRADO
MANILA, Philippines � Azkals team manager Dan Palami gave the team�s German coach Michael Weiss credit for helping the team reach new heights of achievement in the 12 months that Weiss had handled the national football squad.
�If we go by results then I think he has given us the results that we wanted,� said Palami. �He got us to the qualifiers and the main draw (of the AFC Challenge Cup) and we go to third.�
�It's historic already that we got into the final eight and even more historic with the third place achievement,� he said during Tuesday�s PSA Forum.
The Challenge Cup campaign is regarded as the most notable moment under Weiss.
The Azkals won 4-2 on aggregate over Mongolia, then placed second to Palestine in the qualifying round in Myanmar over a year ago to earn a spot in the main draw of the recently-concluded tournament in Kathmandu, Nepal.
From there, the Filipino booters overcame an opening day loss to eventual champion North Korea to reach the semis. They suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Tajikistan before salvaging third with a 4-2 victory over Palestine.
Weiss also steered the Azkals to the second of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers last July. It beat Sri Lanka in the first round before bowing to Kuwait.
The most disappointing stint for Weiss was when the Philippine U-23 team won just a single game in the Southeast Asian Games in Jakarta last November. Regardless, Palami is satisfied with the overall result.
�Judging from what I've seen, I think it slowly took a while for the player and the coach to really have the cohesion that we wanted, but I see that they're slowly evolving into a very good combination,� said Palami.
Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines � Azkals team manager Dan Palami gave the team�s German coach Michael Weiss credit for helping the team reach new heights of achievement in the 12 months that Weiss had handled the national football squad.
�If we go by results then I think he has given us the results that we wanted,� said Palami. �He got us to the qualifiers and the main draw (of the AFC Challenge Cup) and we go to third.�
�It's historic already that we got into the final eight and even more historic with the third place achievement,� he said during Tuesday�s PSA Forum.
The Challenge Cup campaign is regarded as the most notable moment under Weiss.
The Azkals won 4-2 on aggregate over Mongolia, then placed second to Palestine in the qualifying round in Myanmar over a year ago to earn a spot in the main draw of the recently-concluded tournament in Kathmandu, Nepal.
From there, the Filipino booters overcame an opening day loss to eventual champion North Korea to reach the semis. They suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Tajikistan before salvaging third with a 4-2 victory over Palestine.
Weiss also steered the Azkals to the second of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers last July. It beat Sri Lanka in the first round before bowing to Kuwait.
The most disappointing stint for Weiss was when the Philippine U-23 team won just a single game in the Southeast Asian Games in Jakarta last November. Regardless, Palami is satisfied with the overall result.
�Judging from what I've seen, I think it slowly took a while for the player and the coach to really have the cohesion that we wanted, but I see that they're slowly evolving into a very good combination,� said Palami.
Manila Bulletin
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Limpag: Off the record with Coach Michael Weiss
By Mike T. Limpag
Fair Play
Thursday, February 23, 2012
DAVAO CITY - I was supposed to write about Coach Graeme today, but I think my friend would understand if for now, I�d talk about Coach Michael Weiss.
Especially that, just as I was to take my seat to meet coach Weiss again the other night he says, ��especially when I�m reading this bullshit story,� while pointing to me, and, before leaving, he says, �I hope to educate this boy (again, while pointing to me) about football.�
Between those two statements, of course, we talked. A lot. I pointed out a few things and he was thanking me for the stories (including that BS story) and he pointed out a few things that not even the most diligent fan who read anything about Philippine football may have realized.
And you know what? The funny thing is, those who criticize Weiss a lot would be surprised to know that they share the same points with the coach.
And I told Coach Weiss about this. I want to get him on the record! I wanted to do our talk again because what he had to say about Philippine football is something every fan�both those who like him and those who don�t�should know.
�No, no, no, no. Don�t write about this,� he said in that tough German way of his, as I was going for my pen and notebook to take notes of what he said.
And in this business, when somebody says that, you have to respect it because guys like us are only as good as our word.
But you know what? Under that tough German exterior is a guy who is just like you and me, one who is looking out for his family. One who get hurts when the comments get too personal.
�I wear a mask,� he said. �But inside?�
Yes, it�s part of the job of being the head coach of a national team and the guy digs it.
�At the end of the day, football is all about results,� he said.
Though most of our talk was off the record, coach Weiss also mentioned some things that he had already talked with the media about so I�m going to share it.
On the Challenge Cup expectations.
�We are not going to say we are going to aim for the semifinals but we are not going to give up either.�
On who�s playing.
�It�s going to be a race against the clock on who can come. Every day, I am in constant communication with the players (overseas) and their managers. Stephen Shrock, I hope he can come for the last two matches. With him, we are doing it the smart way, we won�t be asking him to come for the Malaysia game because if we will, the club will say, �OK Shrock will attend Malaysia game but not Challenge Cup.� That�s the same for the other players.�
Neil Etheridge or Roland Muller?
�I am confident with either one of them. For our back four, it�s going to be Juan Luis, Gier, Jonsson and Sabio or Cagara if he can make it. Sabio has been playing really, really well for us and has improved a lot. Against Kuwait, (away match, second round of World Cup 2014 qualifiers) he made mistakes but lately, he�s been very good.�
On Chieffy Caligdong�s injury.
�He�s improving but right now, I think he�s good for 30 minutes.�
On tactics and substitutions.
�We are going to get punished if we get too offensive�.So like the game against Australia, I parked the bus, like everyone is saying, in the first half but in the second half, I made some changes�.For the subs, every morning before a match, I meet with the subs for 30 minutes. I talk to them, I explain their roles, what is needed and what is expected of them and they understand it. They are fine with it.�
DAVAO SOJOURN. For the next four days, it�s going to be all about golf from my end as I�m covering the PAL Interclub men�s tournament for the sixth straight year.
I love covering this event because it makes me feel young. Football tournaments make me feel old, but golf, especially when I�m with guys who�ve been covering this tournament even before I was born?
And this Saturday, I plan to introduce the editors of the Manila broadsheets to the UFL by tuning in to Aksyon TV during game day.
(www.cebufootball.blogspot.com)
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on February 23, 2012.
Fair Play
Thursday, February 23, 2012
DAVAO CITY - I was supposed to write about Coach Graeme today, but I think my friend would understand if for now, I�d talk about Coach Michael Weiss.
Especially that, just as I was to take my seat to meet coach Weiss again the other night he says, ��especially when I�m reading this bullshit story,� while pointing to me, and, before leaving, he says, �I hope to educate this boy (again, while pointing to me) about football.�
Between those two statements, of course, we talked. A lot. I pointed out a few things and he was thanking me for the stories (including that BS story) and he pointed out a few things that not even the most diligent fan who read anything about Philippine football may have realized.
And you know what? The funny thing is, those who criticize Weiss a lot would be surprised to know that they share the same points with the coach.
And I told Coach Weiss about this. I want to get him on the record! I wanted to do our talk again because what he had to say about Philippine football is something every fan�both those who like him and those who don�t�should know.
�No, no, no, no. Don�t write about this,� he said in that tough German way of his, as I was going for my pen and notebook to take notes of what he said.
And in this business, when somebody says that, you have to respect it because guys like us are only as good as our word.
But you know what? Under that tough German exterior is a guy who is just like you and me, one who is looking out for his family. One who get hurts when the comments get too personal.
�I wear a mask,� he said. �But inside?�
Yes, it�s part of the job of being the head coach of a national team and the guy digs it.
�At the end of the day, football is all about results,� he said.
Though most of our talk was off the record, coach Weiss also mentioned some things that he had already talked with the media about so I�m going to share it.
On the Challenge Cup expectations.
�We are not going to say we are going to aim for the semifinals but we are not going to give up either.�
On who�s playing.
�It�s going to be a race against the clock on who can come. Every day, I am in constant communication with the players (overseas) and their managers. Stephen Shrock, I hope he can come for the last two matches. With him, we are doing it the smart way, we won�t be asking him to come for the Malaysia game because if we will, the club will say, �OK Shrock will attend Malaysia game but not Challenge Cup.� That�s the same for the other players.�
Neil Etheridge or Roland Muller?
�I am confident with either one of them. For our back four, it�s going to be Juan Luis, Gier, Jonsson and Sabio or Cagara if he can make it. Sabio has been playing really, really well for us and has improved a lot. Against Kuwait, (away match, second round of World Cup 2014 qualifiers) he made mistakes but lately, he�s been very good.�
On Chieffy Caligdong�s injury.
�He�s improving but right now, I think he�s good for 30 minutes.�
On tactics and substitutions.
�We are going to get punished if we get too offensive�.So like the game against Australia, I parked the bus, like everyone is saying, in the first half but in the second half, I made some changes�.For the subs, every morning before a match, I meet with the subs for 30 minutes. I talk to them, I explain their roles, what is needed and what is expected of them and they understand it. They are fine with it.�
DAVAO SOJOURN. For the next four days, it�s going to be all about golf from my end as I�m covering the PAL Interclub men�s tournament for the sixth straight year.
I love covering this event because it makes me feel young. Football tournaments make me feel old, but golf, especially when I�m with guys who�ve been covering this tournament even before I was born?
And this Saturday, I plan to introduce the editors of the Manila broadsheets to the UFL by tuning in to Aksyon TV during game day.
(www.cebufootball.blogspot.com)
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on February 23, 2012.
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Limpag: Should we get rid of Coach Weiss?
By Mike T. Limpag
Fair Play
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
THERE�S an interesting post in the Pinoy football page in facebook, and the poster wants to get rid of coach Weiss.
Fire him he said. So, should we? Or more importantly, should the PFF team management get rid of Coach Michael Weiss?
No. But that doesn�t mean the sentiments should be ignored by the coach or the team management.
Coach Weiss is in a position no Philippine coach has ever been before and his every move�and non-move--is criticized by fans, which is a welcome change. (In PHL football setup, I pay more attention to fan and social media criticism, not traditional media criticism).
But should we fire him? Because he�s tinkering with the lineup so much that if he could get away with it, he�d put in Neil Etheridge at midfield or Chieffy Caligdong at goal?
There�s been lots of talks against Weiss� penchant for fielding players off their positions or of his lack of subs�he won�t sub if his life depends on it�and I�ve had my fun poking here and there regarding that but I don�t think it�s worth getting fired.
Sometimes, experiments work and I present El Capitan Alexander Borromeo as Exhibit A. Here�s a guy who started as a goalkeeper in the national youth team, became a striker in the senior team and is now known as the best defender the Azkals fans have ever known.
I don�t like the way Coach Weiss keeps harping about lack of preparation, of saying he wants to expose the homegrown players only to deny them the opportunity, but is that reason enough to send him packing?
No. But it�s reason enough to ask a lot of questions.
Come to think of it. What has the Philippine team achieved under him? We got to the second round of the World Cup qualifiers, we got to the main draw of the Challenge Cup and these are things no Philippine team has done before.
Should we get rid of Weiss and get Coach Simon McMenemy back? Coach Simon�s contract wasn�t extended for a reason, and the players in the 2010 squad know that and I say that�s a step backward.
So, should we get rid of Coach Weiss? Hell, no. With a tournament just around the corner? It�s suicide!
But that doesn�t mean that fans should stop criticizing his moves. I believe that in the absence of pundits and knowledgeable writers in traditional media, all these talks serve a �check-and-balance� function. It�s the online equivalent of �Please explain in
24 hours...�
For the Challenge Cup and the Suzuki Cup, let�s stick with Coach Mike.
Fire him? I wouldn�t go that far.
Does that mean a contract extension is a cinch? Oh, I wouldn�t go that far, either.
(www.cebufootball.blogspot.com)
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on February 16, 2012.
Fair Play
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
THERE�S an interesting post in the Pinoy football page in facebook, and the poster wants to get rid of coach Weiss.
Fire him he said. So, should we? Or more importantly, should the PFF team management get rid of Coach Michael Weiss?
No. But that doesn�t mean the sentiments should be ignored by the coach or the team management.
Coach Weiss is in a position no Philippine coach has ever been before and his every move�and non-move--is criticized by fans, which is a welcome change. (In PHL football setup, I pay more attention to fan and social media criticism, not traditional media criticism).
But should we fire him? Because he�s tinkering with the lineup so much that if he could get away with it, he�d put in Neil Etheridge at midfield or Chieffy Caligdong at goal?
There�s been lots of talks against Weiss� penchant for fielding players off their positions or of his lack of subs�he won�t sub if his life depends on it�and I�ve had my fun poking here and there regarding that but I don�t think it�s worth getting fired.
Sometimes, experiments work and I present El Capitan Alexander Borromeo as Exhibit A. Here�s a guy who started as a goalkeeper in the national youth team, became a striker in the senior team and is now known as the best defender the Azkals fans have ever known.
I don�t like the way Coach Weiss keeps harping about lack of preparation, of saying he wants to expose the homegrown players only to deny them the opportunity, but is that reason enough to send him packing?
No. But it�s reason enough to ask a lot of questions.
Come to think of it. What has the Philippine team achieved under him? We got to the second round of the World Cup qualifiers, we got to the main draw of the Challenge Cup and these are things no Philippine team has done before.
Should we get rid of Weiss and get Coach Simon McMenemy back? Coach Simon�s contract wasn�t extended for a reason, and the players in the 2010 squad know that and I say that�s a step backward.
So, should we get rid of Coach Weiss? Hell, no. With a tournament just around the corner? It�s suicide!
But that doesn�t mean that fans should stop criticizing his moves. I believe that in the absence of pundits and knowledgeable writers in traditional media, all these talks serve a �check-and-balance� function. It�s the online equivalent of �Please explain in
24 hours...�
For the Challenge Cup and the Suzuki Cup, let�s stick with Coach Mike.
Fire him? I wouldn�t go that far.
Does that mean a contract extension is a cinch? Oh, I wouldn�t go that far, either.
(www.cebufootball.blogspot.com)
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on February 16, 2012.
Thursday, 8 December 2011
No vacation for Weiss in holiday break
MANILA, Philippines - Azkals coach Michael Weiss leaves today for a holiday break in Germany but it won�t be a real vacation as the football tactician plans to travel to different countries to secure releases for several Fil-foreign standouts from their European clubs to play at the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal this March.
The Philippines has been drawn to play North Korea, India and Tajikistan in Group B in the Challenge Cup. Group A is made up of Nepal, Turkmenistan, Maldives and Palestine. The top two teams in each group after the eliminations will move on to the crossover semifinals on March 16 with the winners disputing the title on March 19. The Philippines will play North Korea on March 9, India on March 11 and Tajikistan on March 13. Unfortunately, the dates are not sanctioned by FIFA for international matches, meaning mother clubs may hold players from joining their national teams.
Weiss, 46, said during the holidays, he�ll fly to Dubai to arrange a training camp for the Azkals in February and meet with coaches of European clubs which employ Fil-foreigners like Dennis Cagara and Jerry Lucena in Denmark, Stephan Schrock and Roland Muller in Germany, Paul Mulders in Holland and Neil Etheridge in England.
�I will visit the coaches to explain the importance of the Challenge Cup to the Philippines,� said Weiss. �As much as possible, we�d like to play a complete lineup with our pros from Europe. We intend to open our training camp in Manila in the first week of January and Dan (Palami) is arranging for a friendly on Feb. 29 with a national team, tougher than Nepal. It�s still under negotiation so I�m not at liberty to divulge which teams are being contacted but we�d like to bring in a team with World Cup experience.�
Weiss said the Philippine football program is on the right track with renewed interest in the game among local fans. �It�s like we�ve awakened a sleeping giant,� said Weiss. �But there is still much to be done. We�re still lagging behind the football powers in Southeast Asia. I want to leave behind a legacy for football in the Philippines. This is not just for my personal career. I recently initiated a move for Mr. Eckhard Krautzun to come to the Philippines and evaluate the football situation in the country. Mr. Krautzun is recommending steps to improve the situation and we will seek assistance from the German Olympic Committee and German Football Association to implement these steps.�
Weiss said a key recommendation is to bring over a German technical director to assist in pushing the Philippine football development program to the next level. �There are several candidates for the job,� said Weiss. �Mr. Krautzun and I will recommend the best candidate for approval by the German Olympic Committee and German Football Association. It�s a job similar to what I did in a previous posting in Rwanda. A leading candidate is a 56-year-old German coach who has had a lot of success in Sudan and Egypt in the African Cup. As national coach, I will work closely with the technical director for a period of three to four years. The technical director will focus on developing programs for the youth, women and the grassroots. We will have short, medium and long-term goals. One of our long-term goals is to develop full-blooded Filipinos into national players.�
Weiss said lack of chemistry is a problem that the Azkals face because several Fil-foreign players in European leagues aren�t able to spend too much time practising with the national squad. He said Palami is trying to base more Fil-foreign players in Manila. Fil-Spanish striker Angel Guirado was the first to relocate. A player in the pipeline is Fil-Spanish Carlos de Murga who saw action for the Philippine under-23 team in the recent SEA Games.
�It would�ve been a different story in our recent game against the Los Angeles Galaxy if we were complete with Shrock, Etheridge, Cagara, Lucena and the others,� said Weiss. �I realize it was a fun game but losing 6-1 wasn�t funny. It would�ve been easier to accept a 3-1 loss. Of course, it wasn�t a FIFA international match day so we couldn�t impose on the European clubs to release our Filipino players.�
Weiss said against the Galaxy, the Azkals were competitive only in the first half. �We could�ve played more aggressively in the second half because the Galaxy played an easy game,� he continued. �It�s a problem of mentality. I think some of our players were satisfied with how we played in the first half so they didn�t try as hard in the second. I want to destroy this feeling of complacency. I noticed a lack of effort and I want to change that. I�ve got a few of our players in the radar and I�m watching them closely. It was a great game for the fans but it wasn�t a good performance for us overall.�
Weiss said despite the ups and downs, he is upbeat on the future of Philippine football. �It�s like what the Galaxy coach (Bruce Arena) mentioned,� he said. �Coach Arena likened our situation to the US when he began coaching the national team in the World Cup. There�s a big potential and we just have to work harder to move forward. We�ve made mistakes here and there. Obviously, we must avoid another disaster in the Southeast Asian Games but I see a bright future. We must contend with the time factor. We must have patience, humility and respect for the game. We must stabilize our system which means developing a strong youth foundation. It hurts when I hear negative comments particularly as we�re working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to bring up football in the Philippines.�
philstar
The Philippines has been drawn to play North Korea, India and Tajikistan in Group B in the Challenge Cup. Group A is made up of Nepal, Turkmenistan, Maldives and Palestine. The top two teams in each group after the eliminations will move on to the crossover semifinals on March 16 with the winners disputing the title on March 19. The Philippines will play North Korea on March 9, India on March 11 and Tajikistan on March 13. Unfortunately, the dates are not sanctioned by FIFA for international matches, meaning mother clubs may hold players from joining their national teams.
Weiss, 46, said during the holidays, he�ll fly to Dubai to arrange a training camp for the Azkals in February and meet with coaches of European clubs which employ Fil-foreigners like Dennis Cagara and Jerry Lucena in Denmark, Stephan Schrock and Roland Muller in Germany, Paul Mulders in Holland and Neil Etheridge in England.
�I will visit the coaches to explain the importance of the Challenge Cup to the Philippines,� said Weiss. �As much as possible, we�d like to play a complete lineup with our pros from Europe. We intend to open our training camp in Manila in the first week of January and Dan (Palami) is arranging for a friendly on Feb. 29 with a national team, tougher than Nepal. It�s still under negotiation so I�m not at liberty to divulge which teams are being contacted but we�d like to bring in a team with World Cup experience.�
Weiss said the Philippine football program is on the right track with renewed interest in the game among local fans. �It�s like we�ve awakened a sleeping giant,� said Weiss. �But there is still much to be done. We�re still lagging behind the football powers in Southeast Asia. I want to leave behind a legacy for football in the Philippines. This is not just for my personal career. I recently initiated a move for Mr. Eckhard Krautzun to come to the Philippines and evaluate the football situation in the country. Mr. Krautzun is recommending steps to improve the situation and we will seek assistance from the German Olympic Committee and German Football Association to implement these steps.�
Weiss said a key recommendation is to bring over a German technical director to assist in pushing the Philippine football development program to the next level. �There are several candidates for the job,� said Weiss. �Mr. Krautzun and I will recommend the best candidate for approval by the German Olympic Committee and German Football Association. It�s a job similar to what I did in a previous posting in Rwanda. A leading candidate is a 56-year-old German coach who has had a lot of success in Sudan and Egypt in the African Cup. As national coach, I will work closely with the technical director for a period of three to four years. The technical director will focus on developing programs for the youth, women and the grassroots. We will have short, medium and long-term goals. One of our long-term goals is to develop full-blooded Filipinos into national players.�
Weiss said lack of chemistry is a problem that the Azkals face because several Fil-foreign players in European leagues aren�t able to spend too much time practising with the national squad. He said Palami is trying to base more Fil-foreign players in Manila. Fil-Spanish striker Angel Guirado was the first to relocate. A player in the pipeline is Fil-Spanish Carlos de Murga who saw action for the Philippine under-23 team in the recent SEA Games.
�It would�ve been a different story in our recent game against the Los Angeles Galaxy if we were complete with Shrock, Etheridge, Cagara, Lucena and the others,� said Weiss. �I realize it was a fun game but losing 6-1 wasn�t funny. It would�ve been easier to accept a 3-1 loss. Of course, it wasn�t a FIFA international match day so we couldn�t impose on the European clubs to release our Filipino players.�
Weiss said against the Galaxy, the Azkals were competitive only in the first half. �We could�ve played more aggressively in the second half because the Galaxy played an easy game,� he continued. �It�s a problem of mentality. I think some of our players were satisfied with how we played in the first half so they didn�t try as hard in the second. I want to destroy this feeling of complacency. I noticed a lack of effort and I want to change that. I�ve got a few of our players in the radar and I�m watching them closely. It was a great game for the fans but it wasn�t a good performance for us overall.�
Weiss said despite the ups and downs, he is upbeat on the future of Philippine football. �It�s like what the Galaxy coach (Bruce Arena) mentioned,� he said. �Coach Arena likened our situation to the US when he began coaching the national team in the World Cup. There�s a big potential and we just have to work harder to move forward. We�ve made mistakes here and there. Obviously, we must avoid another disaster in the Southeast Asian Games but I see a bright future. We must contend with the time factor. We must have patience, humility and respect for the game. We must stabilize our system which means developing a strong youth foundation. It hurts when I hear negative comments particularly as we�re working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to bring up football in the Philippines.�
philstar
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Forming complete team Azkals� biggest challenge
By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines�The jury is still out for German coach Michael Weiss close to a year into his reign as Philippine Azkals mentor.
Azkals manager Dan Palami, who hired Weiss last January as part of a financial assistant package with the German Football Association (DFB), said he could not completely evaluate Weiss� performance because there are many factors that need to be considered.
Under the German coach, who has had stints with the Rwanda Under-17 team, the Azkals tallied five wins, five draws and five losses, including the 1-6 defeat to the Los Angeles Galaxy in an exhibition match last Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Weiss also coached the Under-23 Azkals in the Southeast Asian Games, winning one game and losing four matches despite landing in what was perceived as a weaker group.
�We must understand that his performance is based on several factors,� said Palami. �It�s the fact that we still rely on foreign-based players and they arrive a day before the tournament and therefore it�s very difficult to achieve cohesion.�
Palami noted the Azkals� achievements under Weiss, including the qualification to the AFC Challenge Cup for the first time, the improved second place finish in the Long Teng Cup and making the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers.
But Palami also acknowledged the �very disastrous result in the SEA Games.�
Palami said gathering the best team possible for a tournament remains the biggest challenge for the Azkals.
�We can hold off strong competition when we have a complete lineup,� said Palami. �The biggest challenge is still bringing the best team together.�
�There are alot of variables. We have to compartmentalize the problems. If we are able to do this, then we will be able to assess his (Weiss) performance,� said Palami.
The Azkals are in for a tough time in the March 9-13 Challenge Cup where they have been grouped with North Korea, Tajikistan and India. But Palami said there�s a good chance that the Azkals will have the likes of Stephan Schrock, Dennis Cagara, Jerry Lucena, Paul Mulders and Neil Etheridge for the tournament.
Palami also said Juan Luis Guirado, the brother of Azkals striker Angel Guirado, will be available for the Challenge Cup as well as the two training camps in preparation for the tournament.
�I think there�s a good chance and we can haggle with the clubs (to release them) because the players will only miss one game,� said Palami.
inquirer.net
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines�The jury is still out for German coach Michael Weiss close to a year into his reign as Philippine Azkals mentor.
Azkals manager Dan Palami, who hired Weiss last January as part of a financial assistant package with the German Football Association (DFB), said he could not completely evaluate Weiss� performance because there are many factors that need to be considered.
Under the German coach, who has had stints with the Rwanda Under-17 team, the Azkals tallied five wins, five draws and five losses, including the 1-6 defeat to the Los Angeles Galaxy in an exhibition match last Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Weiss also coached the Under-23 Azkals in the Southeast Asian Games, winning one game and losing four matches despite landing in what was perceived as a weaker group.
�We must understand that his performance is based on several factors,� said Palami. �It�s the fact that we still rely on foreign-based players and they arrive a day before the tournament and therefore it�s very difficult to achieve cohesion.�
Palami noted the Azkals� achievements under Weiss, including the qualification to the AFC Challenge Cup for the first time, the improved second place finish in the Long Teng Cup and making the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers.
But Palami also acknowledged the �very disastrous result in the SEA Games.�
Palami said gathering the best team possible for a tournament remains the biggest challenge for the Azkals.
�We can hold off strong competition when we have a complete lineup,� said Palami. �The biggest challenge is still bringing the best team together.�
�There are alot of variables. We have to compartmentalize the problems. If we are able to do this, then we will be able to assess his (Weiss) performance,� said Palami.
The Azkals are in for a tough time in the March 9-13 Challenge Cup where they have been grouped with North Korea, Tajikistan and India. But Palami said there�s a good chance that the Azkals will have the likes of Stephan Schrock, Dennis Cagara, Jerry Lucena, Paul Mulders and Neil Etheridge for the tournament.
Palami also said Juan Luis Guirado, the brother of Azkals striker Angel Guirado, will be available for the Challenge Cup as well as the two training camps in preparation for the tournament.
�I think there�s a good chance and we can haggle with the clubs (to release them) because the players will only miss one game,� said Palami.
inquirer.net
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Weiss will continue calling shots for Azkals
BY BONG PEDRALVEZ
GERMAN coach Michael Weiss will continue to handle the Philippine Azkals until at least the AFC Challenge Cup next year, according to national football team manager Dan Palami.
"It would be impractical to change coaches now with the Challenge Cup just three months away," Palami said in yesterday�s PSA forum at the Shakey�s UN Ave.
"There are many variable factors in forming a national team and a coach is one of them," added Palami, pointing out the achievements of the Filipino booters since Weiss, 45, took over at the start of the year.
"Under Weiss, we were able to reach the AFC Challenge Cup for the first time, reach the second round of the World Cup qualifiers and even placed second in the Taiwan Long Teng Cup, where we lost all our matches last year," he said.
He said there were things Weiss had no control, "like players coming in a few days or even a day before a major match so there is the lack of cohesion and chemistry, which is why I am leaving shortly for Europe to talk with the clubs of our players based over there."
These players are Fil-Germans Stefan Schrock, Roland Mueller, Manny Ott, Fil-Danish Jerry Lucena and Dennis Cagara, Fil-Dutch Paul Mulders and regular goalkeeper, Fil-Brit Neil Etheridge, who have all commitments with their respective clubs.
Palami is hoping all seven players would be available for the AFC Challenge Cup starting in Katmandhu, Nepal on March 9 next year and the training camp preceding it.
He said that while they were bracketed in the tougher Group B with past Challenge Cup champions Tajikistan (2006), India (2008) and North Korea (2010), the schedule they were given would enable the European-based players to see action in all three matches.
"We play on March 9, 11 and 13, so they will only miss one game with their respective clubs," Palami said. "This is why I believe we can assemble a very strong team for the Challenge Cup notwithstanding our tough opponents."
To address the issues of teamwork and chemistry, Palami said, the nationals will have a three-week training camp somewhere in the Middle East from Feb. 8-18 before flying to Nepal five days before the tournament to adjust to the possible sub-zero Nepalese weather.
The Azkals will kick off their build-up for the Nepal tournament with a friendly match on Jan. 7 against a Spanish Third Division club and wind up their training with another match on Feb. 29, a date marked as an international friendly date under the FIFA calendar, possibly against Vietnam, New Zealand or Malaysia.
"Once we�ve addressed issues like teamwork, cohesion and conditioning effectively, only then can we consider other factors in forming a good team like coaching," Palami said.
The Azkals are also seeing action in the Suzuki Cup Asean Football Championship in December, having gained an automatic slot due to their semis finish this year.
"Despite some setbacks, it�s been a very successful and active year for Philippine football," said Palami.
"We hope to continue this momentum for us to see the true potential of Philippine football," Palami in the public service program presented by Smart, Pagcor, Outlast Battery and Shakey�s.
malaya
GERMAN coach Michael Weiss will continue to handle the Philippine Azkals until at least the AFC Challenge Cup next year, according to national football team manager Dan Palami.
"It would be impractical to change coaches now with the Challenge Cup just three months away," Palami said in yesterday�s PSA forum at the Shakey�s UN Ave.
"There are many variable factors in forming a national team and a coach is one of them," added Palami, pointing out the achievements of the Filipino booters since Weiss, 45, took over at the start of the year.
"Under Weiss, we were able to reach the AFC Challenge Cup for the first time, reach the second round of the World Cup qualifiers and even placed second in the Taiwan Long Teng Cup, where we lost all our matches last year," he said.
He said there were things Weiss had no control, "like players coming in a few days or even a day before a major match so there is the lack of cohesion and chemistry, which is why I am leaving shortly for Europe to talk with the clubs of our players based over there."
These players are Fil-Germans Stefan Schrock, Roland Mueller, Manny Ott, Fil-Danish Jerry Lucena and Dennis Cagara, Fil-Dutch Paul Mulders and regular goalkeeper, Fil-Brit Neil Etheridge, who have all commitments with their respective clubs.
Palami is hoping all seven players would be available for the AFC Challenge Cup starting in Katmandhu, Nepal on March 9 next year and the training camp preceding it.
He said that while they were bracketed in the tougher Group B with past Challenge Cup champions Tajikistan (2006), India (2008) and North Korea (2010), the schedule they were given would enable the European-based players to see action in all three matches.
"We play on March 9, 11 and 13, so they will only miss one game with their respective clubs," Palami said. "This is why I believe we can assemble a very strong team for the Challenge Cup notwithstanding our tough opponents."
To address the issues of teamwork and chemistry, Palami said, the nationals will have a three-week training camp somewhere in the Middle East from Feb. 8-18 before flying to Nepal five days before the tournament to adjust to the possible sub-zero Nepalese weather.
The Azkals will kick off their build-up for the Nepal tournament with a friendly match on Jan. 7 against a Spanish Third Division club and wind up their training with another match on Feb. 29, a date marked as an international friendly date under the FIFA calendar, possibly against Vietnam, New Zealand or Malaysia.
"Once we�ve addressed issues like teamwork, cohesion and conditioning effectively, only then can we consider other factors in forming a good team like coaching," Palami said.
The Azkals are also seeing action in the Suzuki Cup Asean Football Championship in December, having gained an automatic slot due to their semis finish this year.
"Despite some setbacks, it�s been a very successful and active year for Philippine football," said Palami.
"We hope to continue this momentum for us to see the true potential of Philippine football," Palami in the public service program presented by Smart, Pagcor, Outlast Battery and Shakey�s.
malaya
Sunday, 27 November 2011
Weiss sisibakin na? (Weiss to be replaced ?)
MANILA, Philippines - May posibilidad na mag�kakaroon ng bagong German coach ang football team ng bansa.
Ayon sa mga mapagka�katiwalaang impormante, di nagustuhan ng pamunuan ng Philippine Football Federation (PFF) ang di ma�gandang ipinakita ng Junior Azkals sa katatapos na 26th SEA Games na minandu�han ni German coach Michael Weiss.
Isang panalo lamang sa limang laro ang nakuha ng koponang binuo ng higit na nakararaming Fil-Fo�reigners. Pinakasamakit na pagkatalo ay nalasap sa Timor Leste sa 2-1 iskor.
Inako naman ni Weiss ang reponsibilidad sa di ma�gandang kinalabasan ng kampanya sa SEA Games na kung saan mismong ang team manager na si Dan Palami ay naunang naniwa�lang palaban ang team sa bronze medal.
Kinuha man ang res�pon�sibilidad ay hindi rin na�pigil ni Weiss na sabihan ang mga taong may ipinukol na mataas na ekspektasyon sa koponan na hindi pa na�rarapat ang ganitong pag�titiwala sa koponan.
�We were going against teams that has been playing together for years,� wika ni Weiss.
Hindi rin niya alintana ang mga ugong-ugong na balita sa napipintong pag-uwi dahil may mga pinaplano siyang programa sa Azkals na sasabak sa AFC Challenge Cup sa susunod na taon.
Pagdalo sa mga trai�ning camps sa Gulf Area at Japan bukod pa sa mga friendly matches ang nais niyang gawin sa Azkals upang mas mahubog ito para sa mala�laking torneo sa 2012.
Kasalukuyang nasa ban��sa si German coach Eckhard Krautzun para tulungan ang Philippine Football Federation (PFF) na bumalangkas ng 8-year grassroots program at ito umanong pinakiusapan ng PFF para hilingin sa German Football Association na magpadala ng bagong coach sa Pilipinas.
philstar
Ayon sa mga mapagka�katiwalaang impormante, di nagustuhan ng pamunuan ng Philippine Football Federation (PFF) ang di ma�gandang ipinakita ng Junior Azkals sa katatapos na 26th SEA Games na minandu�han ni German coach Michael Weiss.
Isang panalo lamang sa limang laro ang nakuha ng koponang binuo ng higit na nakararaming Fil-Fo�reigners. Pinakasamakit na pagkatalo ay nalasap sa Timor Leste sa 2-1 iskor.
Inako naman ni Weiss ang reponsibilidad sa di ma�gandang kinalabasan ng kampanya sa SEA Games na kung saan mismong ang team manager na si Dan Palami ay naunang naniwa�lang palaban ang team sa bronze medal.
Kinuha man ang res�pon�sibilidad ay hindi rin na�pigil ni Weiss na sabihan ang mga taong may ipinukol na mataas na ekspektasyon sa koponan na hindi pa na�rarapat ang ganitong pag�titiwala sa koponan.
�We were going against teams that has been playing together for years,� wika ni Weiss.
Hindi rin niya alintana ang mga ugong-ugong na balita sa napipintong pag-uwi dahil may mga pinaplano siyang programa sa Azkals na sasabak sa AFC Challenge Cup sa susunod na taon.
Pagdalo sa mga trai�ning camps sa Gulf Area at Japan bukod pa sa mga friendly matches ang nais niyang gawin sa Azkals upang mas mahubog ito para sa mala�laking torneo sa 2012.
Kasalukuyang nasa ban��sa si German coach Eckhard Krautzun para tulungan ang Philippine Football Federation (PFF) na bumalangkas ng 8-year grassroots program at ito umanong pinakiusapan ng PFF para hilingin sa German Football Association na magpadala ng bagong coach sa Pilipinas.
philstar
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Weiss stays as football coach
COACH Hans Michael Weiss will stay on as coach of the Philippine Azkals and the national under-23 team.
Football officials are not keen on letting Weiss go despite the Junior Azkals� disappointing performance in the recent 26th Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.
Weiss, who tried to quit in June because there was little time to prepare the Junior Azkals for the biennial meet, will now be responsible keeping the team intact and prepared for the 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar.
�I tried to quit. But I gave my word to the Philippine Football Federation. I tried my best. But, it was not good enough. Nevertheless, we should leave this behind and work on the future. We, the PFF and (team manager) Mr. Dan Palami, have a good relationship,� said Weiss.
Weiss, who took full responsibility for the team�s performance, said they are now on the right track, adding that the Junior Azkals will be a good team if they remain intact for the next two years.
�It was too early the last time. The preparations were too short compared to the other teams, which have been playing their under-15, under 17 and under-20 teams for around five to six years together, with regular competition,� added Weiss.
Weiss, who was in constant communication with his former mentor, German football expert Eckhard Krautzun when the latter toured several provinces over the last two months, said bringing in players to the SEA Games just one day before competitions and expecting a gold medal was too presumptuous.
Krautzun has recommended to the PFF that Weiss should keep on handling the Philippine Azkals and the Junior Azkals simultaneously so that there will be continuity in the development program of the national team. Peter Atencio
Manila Standard Today
Football officials are not keen on letting Weiss go despite the Junior Azkals� disappointing performance in the recent 26th Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.
Weiss, who tried to quit in June because there was little time to prepare the Junior Azkals for the biennial meet, will now be responsible keeping the team intact and prepared for the 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar.
�I tried to quit. But I gave my word to the Philippine Football Federation. I tried my best. But, it was not good enough. Nevertheless, we should leave this behind and work on the future. We, the PFF and (team manager) Mr. Dan Palami, have a good relationship,� said Weiss.
Weiss, who took full responsibility for the team�s performance, said they are now on the right track, adding that the Junior Azkals will be a good team if they remain intact for the next two years.
�It was too early the last time. The preparations were too short compared to the other teams, which have been playing their under-15, under 17 and under-20 teams for around five to six years together, with regular competition,� added Weiss.
Weiss, who was in constant communication with his former mentor, German football expert Eckhard Krautzun when the latter toured several provinces over the last two months, said bringing in players to the SEA Games just one day before competitions and expecting a gold medal was too presumptuous.
Krautzun has recommended to the PFF that Weiss should keep on handling the Philippine Azkals and the Junior Azkals simultaneously so that there will be continuity in the development program of the national team. Peter Atencio
Manila Standard Today
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Limpag: It�s not the time to get rid of Weiss
By Mike T. Limpag
Fair Play
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
JUST two weeks after going into the Southeast Asian Games with so much promise, the Philippines Under 23 team crashed out with just one win in five matches, after that tough loss to Brunei.
And after that loss and the embarrassing exit, some are calling for coach Michael Weiss to be sacked.
Should he? No.
But I think it�s time for Dan Palami to look for another coach for the Under 23, and let Weiss worry about the senior team. Let�s have a full-time coach whose only worry is the Under 23 squad and its preparation since getting Weiss to handle the Under 23 team has not been a success.
And Dan has been challenged by the failure.
Did you know why he agreed to handle the senior team in the first place?
It was because of the Under 19 debacle, a team that got manhandled by China, Korea in the AFC Under 19 championships in 2009. A pitiful showing that had Dan thinking that if only a Philippine team would have an ideal preparation, it won�t get embarrassed.
That�s why in pre-Suzuki Cup 2010, the senior team, under Dan, had the best
preparation possible, one this year�s SEA Games team didn�t have.
And Dan has been challenged, again, by the failure.
�Tough loss, sorry about that. An insight though on U23 coach, I thought the experiment would be good, it seems to be working for Vietnam and some other countries,� Dan told me minutes after that 2-1 loss to Brunei.
And because he�s a businessman who�s used to doing his thing in his own timeframe, he
isn�t wasting another minute.
�But I take your suggestion, will get U21 team NOW and have a full-time coach and trainer for the team. Setting it up now even before we arrive at our hotel. Playing lots of games together is THE key to building A TEAM. I know better now.�
It�s been pointed out often in the past few days that what we have is an Under 21 team, one that is eligible for another SEAG.
This team�s preparation has been less than ideal, while the pressure on them has been enormous. It was a fact I pointed out to coach Weiss in September.
�What happens if they don�t deliver?� Coach Weiss told me. �You will all say �fire the
coach, FIRE THE COACH?��
I don�t think we should get rid of Coach Weiss, unless he fails badly with the senior team. But it�s time, though, for the management to rethink its Under 23 preparation.
As to team captain Matt Hartmann�s desertion of the team?
That�s another topic to tackle.
(www.cebufootball.blogspot.com)
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on November 17, 2011.
Fair Play
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
JUST two weeks after going into the Southeast Asian Games with so much promise, the Philippines Under 23 team crashed out with just one win in five matches, after that tough loss to Brunei.
And after that loss and the embarrassing exit, some are calling for coach Michael Weiss to be sacked.
Should he? No.
But I think it�s time for Dan Palami to look for another coach for the Under 23, and let Weiss worry about the senior team. Let�s have a full-time coach whose only worry is the Under 23 squad and its preparation since getting Weiss to handle the Under 23 team has not been a success.
And Dan has been challenged by the failure.
Did you know why he agreed to handle the senior team in the first place?
It was because of the Under 19 debacle, a team that got manhandled by China, Korea in the AFC Under 19 championships in 2009. A pitiful showing that had Dan thinking that if only a Philippine team would have an ideal preparation, it won�t get embarrassed.
That�s why in pre-Suzuki Cup 2010, the senior team, under Dan, had the best
preparation possible, one this year�s SEA Games team didn�t have.
And Dan has been challenged, again, by the failure.
�Tough loss, sorry about that. An insight though on U23 coach, I thought the experiment would be good, it seems to be working for Vietnam and some other countries,� Dan told me minutes after that 2-1 loss to Brunei.
And because he�s a businessman who�s used to doing his thing in his own timeframe, he
isn�t wasting another minute.
�But I take your suggestion, will get U21 team NOW and have a full-time coach and trainer for the team. Setting it up now even before we arrive at our hotel. Playing lots of games together is THE key to building A TEAM. I know better now.�
It�s been pointed out often in the past few days that what we have is an Under 21 team, one that is eligible for another SEAG.
This team�s preparation has been less than ideal, while the pressure on them has been enormous. It was a fact I pointed out to coach Weiss in September.
�What happens if they don�t deliver?� Coach Weiss told me. �You will all say �fire the
coach, FIRE THE COACH?��
I don�t think we should get rid of Coach Weiss, unless he fails badly with the senior team. But it�s time, though, for the management to rethink its Under 23 preparation.
As to team captain Matt Hartmann�s desertion of the team?
That�s another topic to tackle.
(www.cebufootball.blogspot.com)
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on November 17, 2011.
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Azkals' Weiss asks for support, not negativity
MANILA, Philippines - Azkals head coach Michael Weiss hopes that the team's masterful performance against a higher-ranked Nepal side will push more people to support the national football team.
The Azkals dominated Nepal en route to a 4-nil victory last Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
In the post-match interview, Weiss said the team's victory proved they are capable of beating even higher ranked teams, and asked for more support instead of negative comments about the Azkals.
"All the people who were trying to push the coaching staff down in the past and made comments that were unnecessary, I hope they realize we are seriously working," Weiss said. "I hope they realize and keep on supporting instead of putting a negative mentality into the team."
Weiss was visibly happy about the result of the match, and said he was especially proud of striker Phil Younghusband, who scored two goals during the match.
"I'm very happy and very proud of Phil Younghusband. He gave critics the right answer and proved that he's a top, high-profile striker," he said.
It was not the first time that coach Weiss had slammed the Azkals' critics, having also responded to people who questioned his decisions regarding the Azkals' World Cup qualifiers against Kuwait.
"The people who make these comments, they don't know what's going on in the training," Weiss said at the time.
ABS CBN News
The Azkals dominated Nepal en route to a 4-nil victory last Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
In the post-match interview, Weiss said the team's victory proved they are capable of beating even higher ranked teams, and asked for more support instead of negative comments about the Azkals.
"All the people who were trying to push the coaching staff down in the past and made comments that were unnecessary, I hope they realize we are seriously working," Weiss said. "I hope they realize and keep on supporting instead of putting a negative mentality into the team."
Weiss was visibly happy about the result of the match, and said he was especially proud of striker Phil Younghusband, who scored two goals during the match.
"I'm very happy and very proud of Phil Younghusband. He gave critics the right answer and proved that he's a top, high-profile striker," he said.
It was not the first time that coach Weiss had slammed the Azkals' critics, having also responded to people who questioned his decisions regarding the Azkals' World Cup qualifiers against Kuwait.
"The people who make these comments, they don't know what's going on in the training," Weiss said at the time.
ABS CBN News
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
Weiss stays as Azkals coach
By FRANCIS SANTIAGO
MANILA, Philippines � Philippine football team manager Dan Palami said German Michael Weiss will stay as coach of the Azkals despite the team�s loss against Kuwait in the World Cup qualifiers last week.
Although he declined to rate Weiss� performance after Kuwait sent the Filipino booters packing with a 5-1 aggregate win, Palami, also regarded as the Azkals� godfather, believes Weiss is still the wise choice for the national team.
�It�s very unrealistic to gauge him against a team like Kuwait, but in fact, even as it is (elimination), the stride that we have made in football has been considered short of phenomenon not just in Asia but in the whole world,� Palami said.
Weiss, who left for Germany on Sunday for a 10-day break, replaced British Simon McMenemy six months ago and has two-year contract with the Azkals.
Under Weiss, the Azkals became the first national squad to reach the second round of the qualifiers since 1950. Under his guidance, the team also earned a berth to the AFC Challenge Cup finals next year.
Asked if he sees a longer partnership with Weiss, Palami said: �A long time is a very strong word. But at least I know that what he�s doing is working for us. For as long as we get the results that we want, not in terms of the bottom line scores but in terms of how we play, then I suppose he really has a plop in the team.�
Meanwhile, Palami is not letting up in further improving the lineup. He is set to leave for Europe this month to recruit possible reinforcements for the Azkals.
The national team is seriously considering on tapping French-born Alphonse Areola, a 6-foot-2 goalie who plays for French First Division side Paris St. Germain.
The 18-year-old Areola, whose parents are Filipinos, is seen to be an able replacement for Fil-British keeper Neil Etheridge, who is expected to have limited time with Azkals following his scheduled promotion as main reliever for his club Fulham in the English Premier League.
Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines � Philippine football team manager Dan Palami said German Michael Weiss will stay as coach of the Azkals despite the team�s loss against Kuwait in the World Cup qualifiers last week.
Although he declined to rate Weiss� performance after Kuwait sent the Filipino booters packing with a 5-1 aggregate win, Palami, also regarded as the Azkals� godfather, believes Weiss is still the wise choice for the national team.
�It�s very unrealistic to gauge him against a team like Kuwait, but in fact, even as it is (elimination), the stride that we have made in football has been considered short of phenomenon not just in Asia but in the whole world,� Palami said.
Weiss, who left for Germany on Sunday for a 10-day break, replaced British Simon McMenemy six months ago and has two-year contract with the Azkals.
Under Weiss, the Azkals became the first national squad to reach the second round of the qualifiers since 1950. Under his guidance, the team also earned a berth to the AFC Challenge Cup finals next year.
Asked if he sees a longer partnership with Weiss, Palami said: �A long time is a very strong word. But at least I know that what he�s doing is working for us. For as long as we get the results that we want, not in terms of the bottom line scores but in terms of how we play, then I suppose he really has a plop in the team.�
Meanwhile, Palami is not letting up in further improving the lineup. He is set to leave for Europe this month to recruit possible reinforcements for the Azkals.
The national team is seriously considering on tapping French-born Alphonse Areola, a 6-foot-2 goalie who plays for French First Division side Paris St. Germain.
The 18-year-old Areola, whose parents are Filipinos, is seen to be an able replacement for Fil-British keeper Neil Etheridge, who is expected to have limited time with Azkals following his scheduled promotion as main reliever for his club Fulham in the English Premier League.
Manila Bulletin
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Weiss is Azkals' 'wise' guy
By FRANCIS SANTIAGO
MANILA, Philippines � German Hans Michael Weiss could just be the right guy for the Philippine Azkals.
Barely a month since being named as the team�s head coach, Weiss helped polish the offensive skills of the Azkals as proven by their 2-0 win over Mongolia in the first leg of their AFC Challenge Cup qualifying series in Bacolod City.
In that game, the Azkals had 32 attempts � some of them just hit the bar while most were caught by the Mongolian goalkeeper.
�I think he (Weiss) saw the team�s problems (in offense),� Azkals team manager Dan Palami said recently. �And he found solutions to it.�
Palami credited Weiss, who succeeded British Simon McMenemy, for improving the Azkals� offensive pattern.
Comparing their performance to the time when they reached the AFF Suzuki Cup semifinals against Indonesia last year, Palami said there�s a big difference.
�We now have more options in offense and the players are responding well to him (Weiss) in practice,� Palami said of Weiss, who began on Monday to whip his boys into fighting form in Baguio City for their rematch with Mongolia in Ulan Bator.
�Phil (Younghusband) is no longer the only option. Ian (Araneta) was there. Chieffy (Caligdong) was there. And Simon (Greatwich) was there. More players are now involved in offense.�
�If you look at our game in Indonesia (Suzuki Cup semis), our offense revolves on Phil. Ibigay lang yung bola sa kanya bahala na siya to do his thing in the middle. So pag-naclamp down siya ng defense, nasisira na diskarte ng team (Just give him the ball, it's up to him to do his thing in the middle. So when [the other team's] defense clamps down on him, the team's strategies are foiled.),� Palami said.
Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines � German Hans Michael Weiss could just be the right guy for the Philippine Azkals.
Barely a month since being named as the team�s head coach, Weiss helped polish the offensive skills of the Azkals as proven by their 2-0 win over Mongolia in the first leg of their AFC Challenge Cup qualifying series in Bacolod City.
In that game, the Azkals had 32 attempts � some of them just hit the bar while most were caught by the Mongolian goalkeeper.
�I think he (Weiss) saw the team�s problems (in offense),� Azkals team manager Dan Palami said recently. �And he found solutions to it.�
Palami credited Weiss, who succeeded British Simon McMenemy, for improving the Azkals� offensive pattern.
Comparing their performance to the time when they reached the AFF Suzuki Cup semifinals against Indonesia last year, Palami said there�s a big difference.
�We now have more options in offense and the players are responding well to him (Weiss) in practice,� Palami said of Weiss, who began on Monday to whip his boys into fighting form in Baguio City for their rematch with Mongolia in Ulan Bator.
�Phil (Younghusband) is no longer the only option. Ian (Araneta) was there. Chieffy (Caligdong) was there. And Simon (Greatwich) was there. More players are now involved in offense.�
�If you look at our game in Indonesia (Suzuki Cup semis), our offense revolves on Phil. Ibigay lang yung bola sa kanya bahala na siya to do his thing in the middle. So pag-naclamp down siya ng defense, nasisira na diskarte ng team (Just give him the ball, it's up to him to do his thing in the middle. So when [the other team's] defense clamps down on him, the team's strategies are foiled.),� Palami said.
Manila Bulletin
Monday, 17 January 2011
New coach�s vow
MANILA, Philippines � German coach Hans Michael Weiss arrived over the weekend with a goal of taking the national football team to greater heights after achieving unprecedented success in his previous assignment in Rwanda.
�We want to go to the next step that's why I'm here,� Weiss told the Philippine Daily Inquirer. �I want to develop a very good, strong team that could move up to the second class of Asian football.�
To achieve that, Weiss said, he would like to �restructure� the whole program, particularly in the scouting of players for the squad.
�It's important to build a very good structure of scouting players and move on from there,� said the 43-year-old, who has also been tasked to handle the Under-23 team for the Southeast Asian Games in December. �We need as many training and exposure as possible.�
Weiss was tapped to coach the national squad as part of the assistance package to the Philippines by the German Football Association (DFB).
Weiss steered Rwanda's Under-17 team to the World Cup in Mexico for the first time in the country's history.
As technical director, he also developed several players in the Rwanda national team and local coaches who have now taken over their jobs in the national squad.
�I think we have left a trademark there in Rwanda,� he said. �I think Rwanda will forever speak positively about the cooperation with Germany.�
BEAT MONGOLIA COMFORTABLY
Weiss said he would not look past Mongolia, which the Azkals have been set to play in a two-game qualifying series for a spot in the group stage of the AFC Challenge Cup.
�We have to focus on Mongolia, that's the important thing,� he said. �We must beat them comfortably then we can talk about other issues. I also have the SEA Games in mind.�
Weiss said he was impressed by the Azkals' performance in the Suzuki Cup, considering that the country has not built a regular league.
�The team impressed me,� said Weiss. �But obviously we have players like Neil Etheridge and Phil Younghusband who have international experience, which made it easier.�
Weiss said he has been planning to adapt a more attacking style of play for the Azkals, who were criticized by Vietnam coach Henrique Calisto for their cautious play in their 2-0 upset of the 2008 Suzuki Cup champions in Hanoi last month. The Azkals went on to reach the semifinals for the first time in the tournament.
Cebu Daily News
�We want to go to the next step that's why I'm here,� Weiss told the Philippine Daily Inquirer. �I want to develop a very good, strong team that could move up to the second class of Asian football.�
To achieve that, Weiss said, he would like to �restructure� the whole program, particularly in the scouting of players for the squad.
�It's important to build a very good structure of scouting players and move on from there,� said the 43-year-old, who has also been tasked to handle the Under-23 team for the Southeast Asian Games in December. �We need as many training and exposure as possible.�
Weiss was tapped to coach the national squad as part of the assistance package to the Philippines by the German Football Association (DFB).
Weiss steered Rwanda's Under-17 team to the World Cup in Mexico for the first time in the country's history.
As technical director, he also developed several players in the Rwanda national team and local coaches who have now taken over their jobs in the national squad.
�I think we have left a trademark there in Rwanda,� he said. �I think Rwanda will forever speak positively about the cooperation with Germany.�
BEAT MONGOLIA COMFORTABLY
Weiss said he would not look past Mongolia, which the Azkals have been set to play in a two-game qualifying series for a spot in the group stage of the AFC Challenge Cup.
�We have to focus on Mongolia, that's the important thing,� he said. �We must beat them comfortably then we can talk about other issues. I also have the SEA Games in mind.�
Weiss said he was impressed by the Azkals' performance in the Suzuki Cup, considering that the country has not built a regular league.
�The team impressed me,� said Weiss. �But obviously we have players like Neil Etheridge and Phil Younghusband who have international experience, which made it easier.�
Weiss said he has been planning to adapt a more attacking style of play for the Azkals, who were criticized by Vietnam coach Henrique Calisto for their cautious play in their 2-0 upset of the 2008 Suzuki Cup champions in Hanoi last month. The Azkals went on to reach the semifinals for the first time in the tournament.
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