BOCAUE, Bulacan—Aggressiveness.
This is what the new generation of players, who are now part of the Philippine Azkals, need to have.
Former Azkals player Chieffy Caligdong, now the team’s assistant coach, said this before the team plunged into action last night against the Indonesian Merah Putihs at the Philippine Sports Stadium here.
“Dapat more aggressive. Much hunger for the three points. And also leadership,” said Caligdong, who last played for the Azkals in the Suzuki Cup in 2012.
When the Azkals played the Singapore Lions to a scoreless draw, last Saturday, the opponents “parked the bus,” or many players crowded out the backline in defense, and made it harder for the Philippine side to score.
Even with 10 men playing after Hafiz Sujad was sent off on a red card in the 35th minute, the Azkals could not turn things in their favor, as the Lions showed in protecting the backline.
Substitute Hikaru Minegishi had two great opportunities to score late in the game for the home side, but nothing happened.
“There must also be leadership and the spirit to get the win, especially among the experienced players,” added Caligdong.
The Azkals badly need a win after the Singapore Lions, playing with 10 men in the second half, frustrated the Philippine Azkals with a scoreless draw Saturday night in their opening game.
Beating the Merah Putihs will move them closer to one of two semifinal berths in Group A.
The Philippines came close to scoring with Stephan Schrock’s 30-yard free-kick, but Lions goalie Hassan Sunny tipped it away.