Azkals focused on training despite Brit coach pullout

THE Philippine national men’s football team remains focused in preparing for big tournaments later this year notwithstanding the recent surprising news of its coach deciding not to continue with his duties.

In a left field move late last week, British Terry Butcher rocked the local football community when he made known his decision to pull out as coach of the Philippine Azkals by way of the UK news agency Press Association.

Named as Azkals coach last June to take over from American Thomas Dooley, Mr. Butcher, in a statement, cited the difficulty in building a “robust plan to meet the football ambitions of the national team and do the country proud,” as the vital issue for his decision to discontinue.

He said it was a tough decision on his part but nonetheless believes the Philippine football program has what it takes to go places and wishes it nothing but the best moving forward.

While saddened by the surprising turn of events, local football officials accepted the decision of Mr. Butcher while expressed commitment to lead and help the Azkals in their prepara- tions for tournaments scheduled for later this year and in early 2019.

“We understand and respect Mr. Terry Butcher’s decision not to continue with his role as National Team coach of the Philippines. As manager of the National Team, I was looking forward to working with Mr. Butcher as we build a strong team for the country’s first Asian Cup. It is unfortunate, however, that Mr. Butcher had expressed difficulty in executing his plans for the national team program. We wish Mr. Butcher well in his future endeavors,” said long-time Azkals manager Dan Palami in a statement following news of Mr. Butcher’s pullout as coach.

Mr. Palami added that they are forging ahead, preparing for the AFF Suzuki Cup which is scheduled for November and the AFC Asian Cup set for January next year, with senior football adviser Scott Cooper taking over the team for now.

The Philippine Football Federation also expressed understanding of Mr. Butcher’s decision and wished him good luck in his future endeavors.