Weiss’s 6-month extension gets mixed reactions

THE six-month extension given to Philippine Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss recieved mixed reactions from local coaches.

Although most of them saw the contract to be too short, some were open to the possibility of having a new coach to take charge of the national team.

Abellana National School head coach Francis Ramirez said that he's fine with the six months contract as long as it is renewable.

"Kuwang na ang six months dapat one year para ma-apas ug develop sa national club," said Ramirez.

The PFF through its General Secretary Edwin Gastanes explained that the extension of the six month contract will depend on the result of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup this March as Philippines will host the group stage with.

PFF board clarified that its not of about the lack of trust with the coach but they looked into the financial consideration in drafting Weiss’s contract.

The PFF is amenable that if the results are in favor of the national team, the contract for Weiss.

Ramirez believes that once the team qualify in the Challenge Cup, it should still be Weiss who will call the shots for the team because the players are already accustomed with Weiss’s system.

This was also the same sentiments with Innodata head coach Darwin Bordalba who said that it is an advantage for Weiss to be retained in the team but added that it would also be nice to consider Graeme Mackinnon in the national squad.

Don Bosco Technical Center coach Dave Gerali said that Weiss had done his job already to the national team and it's about time to change another coach.

However Gerali said that Weiss achievements of bringing the Philippines into an improved rankings should serve as a benchmark for future coaches of the national side.