German coach Hans Michael Weiss makes his return as head coach of the Philippine Azkals today when they take on Nepal in a friendly match at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
This will be Weiss’ first coaching stint with the Azkals since 2014 and the tactician is a tad worried about one thing.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. and Weiss, 58, said the team must focused on how to remain cool, calm and collected.
The last time the Azkals played a match was back on 28 March in Doha where the they suffered a 4-0 beatdown against Jordan.
“We were focusing on tight spaces and I want to see how players deal with pressure. We had several exercises with that. They did well in certain parts but some players are coming off their holiday after a long season and we have to understand that some of them will not be the fittest but they have to adapt and get back into the rhythm,” Weiss said.
“To implement a new system of play and idea takes time and requires some components, which might not be perfect at the start but we have to start eventually,” he added.
‘We were focusing on tight spaces and I want to see how players deal with pressure. We had several exercises with that.’
Kaya F.C.-Iloilo forward Jarvey Gayoso is expected to lead the charge up front with Kenshiro Daniels, and Patrick Reichelt backing him up.
SpVgg Greuther Fürth II midfielder Sandro Reyes will be handling the playmaking duties along with Kevin Ingreso, Hikaru Minegeshi and Mike Ott.
With Armani Aguinaldo and Santiago Rubico, who plays for the under-19 team of Atletic Madrid in Spain, out due to injuries, the Azkals will have to bank on the likes of Daisuke Sato, Martin Steuble, Carli de Murga and Jesper Nyholm to fortify the Azkals defense.
Kuching City F.C. players Julian Schwarzer and Patrick Deyto are still fine options for the Azkals goalkeeper as Neil Etheridge is expected to play in the second friendly game against Chinese Taipei on 19 June.
Despite the apparent lack of activity the past few months, Weiss is happy to see the camaraderie and the technical skill of the players on full display.
Friendlies like this one against Nepal will serve as a warmup for the first window of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers that will run from 12 to 17 October.
“The players know each other and they are playing in good leagues and in good clubs. They are professional enough to adapt to the system,” Weiss said.
Nepal national team head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese said they won’t be taking the Philippines lightly even if it is just a friendly game.
“My goal for the team is to see how high our level is against countries that are higher in the rankings than us like the Philippines,” Annese said.
“It will be a strong match tomorrow for us. We’ll try to be in shape for this important game.”
