Azkals tougher, better prepared for Suzuki Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Although the conditions are less than ideal, American coach Thomas Dooley still believes that he has more time to prepare the Philippine Azkals the second time around for the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup kicking off on Nov.  19 at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.

“Everything went wrong with our training the last time,” said Dooley, recalling his maiden Suzuki Cup  stint with the Filipino booters, who were  drained from the long United Football League season two years ago then had to travel out of the country for the group stage.

Despite these challenges, the Azkals  reached the semifinals of Southeast Asia’s men’s football tournament for the third time in a row before being booted out by irrepressible Thais, who, under coach and Thai legend Kiatisuk Senamuang, went on to capture their fourth championship.

A former US team captain and two-time World Cup veteran, Dooley noted that most of his players now suit up for squads in the UFL and unlike in 2014, the Azkals won’t be traveling overseas as the country hosts  one of the group stages for the first time.

“We are staying in the country at the start of the tournament so that we won’t have to travel much, which is an advantage. Most of our players are also playing in the UFL so we won’t have to wait for those playing overseas to come over and train,” Dooley said.

He added that he would give most of his players who saw action in the UFL, whose season wound up last Sunday, at least a few more days off before they get down to brass tacks and start girding for the Suzuki Cup.