AS expected, the Philippine Football Federation released the squad list for the Asian Cup Qualifiers last Monday.
Two players – Josef Baccay and Randy Schneider – will finally make their debut against Maldives on March 25. Joining them are Kevin Ray Mendoza, Quincy Kammeraad, Julian Schwarzer, Amani Aguinaldo, Jesse Curran, Jesper Nyholm, Michael Kempter, Jeff Tabinas, Paul Tabinas, Adrian Ugelvik, Michael Baldisimo, Zico Bailey, Manny Ott, Sandro Reyes, Christian Rontini, Jarvey Gayoso, Gerrit Holtmann, Bjorn Kristensen, Javier Mariona, Alex Monis, Santi Rublico and Scott Woods.
“Some of the players are already here. Most will arrive on the 17th and 18th then the last few will arrive before 11 a.m. on the 19th,” Freddy Gonzalez, team manager of the Philippine National Men’s Football Team told The Designated Kit Man.
Gonzalez, also the Director of National Seniors Teams of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), also revealed that he never got nervous as a player, but now it’s different. Every weekend before the window, he gets stressed out thinking about his players.
“Cross our fingers that they get through the weekend unscathed and no more withdrawals. Gerrit, Dylan and Javier are all injured,” Gonzalez said.
More than the new names and even returning ones, The Designated Kit Man is also curious, like most fans, why one big name remains missing on the list – Neil Etheridge.
The many-time team captain and one of the most recognizable players of this generation has been playing well, while manning the sticks for Buriram United FC. The powerhouse team is currently setting pace in the Thai Premier League. A feat many believe is in part due to Etheridge’s solid performances day in and day out.
Despite being in top form while playing against the best teams in Southeast Asia and in the continent, Etheridge is not coming back to the country to join the national training camp next week. When asked why, he simply said he wasn’t invited.
“The squad list is apparent for everyone to see and my name is not on the list. So the answer is yeah,” he said in a zoom interview yesterday.
Etheridge also revealed that the last time he heard from Gonzalez was when he congratulated the team after their scintillating run in the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup early this year. Since then, no one has reached out to him to return to the team.
“The team did extremely well in that competition, obviously reaching the latter stages, nearly getting to the final. I think it was a very good showing for the national team, a lot of players coming through,” he said.
He spoke highly of Patrick Deyto and Kammeraad. But it was the last time he and Gonzalez messaged each other.
Still on a high after leading his club past Johor Darul Ta’zim FC, 1-0, two days ago in the 2nd leg of the round of 16 of the AFC Champions League in Malaysia. The win gave Buriram the ticket to the last eight.
“This is the game that everyone has been waiting and longing for for the longest time for Buriram to face JDT. It was obviously a massive game. You’ve got me and Jeff and some of the best players from Southeast Asia. For us to come out victorious over two legs and now to the quarterfinals of the Champions League is a massive achievement for both myself and the club,” he shared.
Etheridge says he has adjusted well since coming to Thailand with his family. In fact his team is in contention to go deep in at least five tournaments. But when asked if he is willing to wear once more the sun and the three stars, Etheridge made a curt answer.
“I don’t want to talk too much about it. To be honest, the answer is I’m not retired. I’m still playing. Obviously, I’m here in Thailand, I’m not retired,” Etheridge said.
When The Designated Kit Man asked Gonzalez why Etheridge was missing from the squad list, he simply said it was the coaching staff’s call.
“It’s Albert’s (Capellas) decision in the end who he wants to call up that fits his style of play.”
A draw on Monday will determine which team Buriram will face next in the last eight. One thing is certain though, any team will pose a big challenge for Etheridge and company.
“We are looking forward to it. It’s going to be a great experience. We know that we’ve achieved so much already. We obviously want to get even further in the competition,” he added.
Etheridge says there are so many games to play, but he is ready for the challenge. Aside from the Champions League, Buriram is competing in League Cup, FA Cup, Shopee Cup and another tournament.
He also acknowledged the support the fans have shown him throughout the years – the good and the bad times. He is also aware that many still would want him to return to the team.
“I know there’s always question marks for the future, but I know the national team is going in the right direction. I’m concentrating on my club career at the moment and helping Buriram get into the later stages of all competitions and winning trophies,” he added.
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat