IN a news article published last May 18, Rappler’s headline announces: “New Azkals coach on board next month as Asian Cup buildup gets going.” And to sum up the news article, the subhead reads: “Team manager Dan Palami says the new Azkals coach succeeding Thomas Dooley will be introduced on June 14.” This would have been interesting news, except that none of the developments mentioned has been confirmed.
I can imagine Dooley falling off his seat after reading the story. I suppose Palami did because he was quick to clarify on a Facebook Page that shared the Rappler article what he had actually said during an event sanctioned by the Philippine Football Federation in Makati.
“I think the statement was that the announcement regarding the decision for the Head Coaching job will be on June 14... and that Thomas Dooley is in the shortlist,” Palami’s comment read. (I took a screenshot for good measure.) Other news articles about the June 14 announcement back Palami’s clarification.
Fox Sports reported: “It is to note that previous head coach Thomas Dooley’s contract has already matured as of the end of last March, yet he is still in the running for an extension along with two other candidates for replacement.” Business World likewise stated: “Mr. Dooley is included in the list, Mr. Palami was quick to say, adding they could well announce the name of the Azkals coach by June 14.”
Perhaps Rappler knows something that we don’t, or it must have that uncanny ability to look into the future. But as far as official pronouncements are concerned, Dooley still has a fighting chance to keep his job. And many fans and pundits agree that he’s the right man for the job.
Whether that’s the right decision for the PFF to make in light of the challenges that lie ahead, that’s another story. Either way, the football community just wants all this coach selection saga done and over with so we can move on already.
And we really can’t blame Rappler for rushing to fire Dooley, can we?