Gonzalez, Paris cut ties with Philippine XI

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine men’s football squad is bound to feel the vacuum after key executive Freddy Gonzalez cut his ties with the team.

Gonzalez relinquished his dual role as PFF Senior National Teams Director and Men’s National Team Manager yesterday, marking the departure of another vital cog in the men’s program over the last two months.

Last May, Spanish coach Albert Capellas stepped down for undisclosed reasons, with his assistant Albert Cuadras temporarily taking over and eventually steering the Pinoy booters to a 2-2 draw with Tajikistan in last week’s AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Capas.

“This was a very difficult decision to make and one that required much reflection and introspection,” said Gonzalez in a statement. “Now is the time for me to focus on other pursuits and opportunities, both personal and professional.”

Assistant manager Mikkel Paris joined his boss in quitting the team.