Philippine national men’s football team head coach Hans Michael Weiss sees potential in the squad despite its 2-3 loss against Chinese Taipei on a rainy Monday evening at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Weiss, who is back with the Azkals for a second tour of duty, refused to blame his wards who had little time to prepare for these pair of friendly matches.
“Please don’t be disappointed. We can see a lot of positives here for the September and October windows,” Weiss said in a press conference.
“I must say, in all fairness, it was a deserved win for Chinese Taipei. Nevertheless, I think the potential is there. I think we can see many, more positives in the September-October window.”
He also lauded the team’s decision–making during those matches against Nepal and Chinese Taipei, something it will need as the Azkals build up for the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualification from 12 to 17 October.
Still, Weiss wants to see more risks from the team in terms of getting the ball into the net. At stake are eight direct slots and one intercontinental playoff spot for this series of qualifying matches for the biggest football competition in the world.
“I do not want to blame the players. I think I cannot blame them because for sure they gave their all. They gave everything to cover so much space,” Weiss said.
“I’m not that interested in results now, I want them to create chances and opportunities and put their foot on the gas. We also took risks on young players, especially Gio Pabulan and Jared Peña.”
With players like Manny Ott, Armani Aguinaldo and Santi Rubico sidelined due to injuries, new heroes stepped up to the challenge and fought for their spots for the national team.
Players such as Jarvey Gayoso of Kaya FC-Iloilo, Patrick Deyto of Chonburi FC and Sandro Reyes of SpVgg Greuther Fürth II provided quality minutes for the Azkals.
Even Stephan Schrock unretired last Thursday against the Nepalese, playing for an undermanned Azkals squad.
Azkals team manager Dan Palami said the Philippine Football Federation will try to get quality players like Bienvenido Marañon of Villarrubia CF and Gerrit Holtmann of Vfl Bochum for future matches.
“You look forward to the next friendlies in September and hopefully, we can get the player we couldn’t get to prepare for the bigger role of joint qualifiers of the Asian Cup and the World Cup,” Palami said.
“I’m glad they are tolerant. Filipino fans are patient and are willing to give the new coach a chance so I’m happy they know it’s a process.”
