BANGKOK -- Opisyal nang hindi makakalaro para sa Philippine Azkals sa group stages ng AFF Suzuki Cup na magsisimula bukas sina goalkeepers Neil Etheridge at Roland Muller dahil sa kanilang commitments sa kanilang mga European teams.
Sa kabila nito, optimistiko pa rin sina coach Michael Weiss at manager Dan Palami na maganda ang ipapakita ni Pinoy goalkeeper Ed Sacapaño bukod pa kina Fil-Danish Jerry Lucena at Dennis Cagara, Fil-Dutch Paul Mulders at Fil-Spanish Angel Guirado.
“In Germany, when I was younger and playing, we always said the ones who are not here doesn’t count so why would this (pagkawala ng dalawang goal keepers) be an issue? How will it help me if I keep moaning and crying about Neil and Muller not being here?” ani Weiss bago magsagawa ng team practice.
Sina Etheridge at Muller ay kasalukuyang kuma-kampanya sa European league para sa Fulham FC at MSV Duisburg, ayon sa pagkakasunod.
Naging bayani si Sacapaño sa 1-0 panalo ng Azkals kontra sa Singapore Lions sa kanilang friendly match sa Cebu noong nakaraang linggo.
“I would be the hap-piest man if he can conti-nue that. This man has been very, very hard in training on himself and pushing himself over the limit even if he didn’t have many chances. And when he’s there, he’s always very good,” ani Weiss.
Handa naman ang Armyman na si Sacapaño.
“Malaking bagay na wala si Neil, syempre iba ang level niya. Sa part ko, malaking kakulangan ang dapat kong takpan. Kailangan ko mag-step up. Ready naman,” wika ng tubong Bago City.
Unang kalaban ng Azkals ang host Thailand sa Sabado.