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27 Jan 2012
Olmin Leyba - The Philippine Star
Manila: The PhilippineAzkals will be hard-pressed to fill up huge holes especially in the midfield as a number of Europe-based pros are still uncertain for Phl XI’s upcoming training camp in the Middle East and possibly the AFC Challenge Cup campaign itself in March in Nepal.
Azkals coach Michael Weiss ruled out the participation of Fil-German Stephan Schröck and Fil-Danish Jerry Lucena and said the inclusion of Fil-Dutch Paul Mulders and Jason de Jong, Fil-Danish Dennis Cagara, Fil-Icelandic Ray Jonsson, and Fil-German Manny Ott are up in the air. With uncertainty of most of the Euro-based players, the midfield becomes a major concern for Weiss.
“Schröck is injured, he won’t come. Mulders, most likely he’ll not come. Maybe Ott, maybe de Jong, and maybe Jonsson. Lucena already confirmed he won’t come, he won’t be released by his club, “ Azkals coach Michael Weiss said Wednesday night after the Azkals fought Global FC to a 2-2 draw at the Rizal Memorial pitch.
“Cagara will get a decision from a German club in the Second League; if he gets a professional contract, I don’t see him come to Dubai and most likely our chances are also slim of him playing for the Challenge Cup, but that remains open, I’m not sure about that yet. I also hope I can get (Fil-German Roland) Muller for the goalkeeper maybe Neil (Etheridge), if he’ll be available,” he added.
Weiss looks to their UAE and Qatar training camp beginning Feb. 6 as the best way to catch up as their sessions so far have been “far from ideal.” The Azkals are set to play against Al Arabi on Feb. 13 in Doha and Australian U-23 on Feb. 16 in Dubai, and one more opponent. They are negotiating with Azerbaijan for a Feb. 10 fixture.
“Overall, the situation right now, as far as Challenge Cup preparations are concerned, is far from ideal,” he said, lamenting the limited time he can assemble even the local-based players due to their commitment with their respective UFL clubs.
“So we’ll have three good matches, three days of training (in the Middle East) and hopefully that can get us closer together,” Weiss said.
