Azkals expect return of Schrock

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Azkals manager Dan Palami expressed confidence coach Thomas Dooley and “prodigal son” Stephan Schrock will eventually settle their differences and clear the way for the Fil-German’s return stint.

Dooley and Schrock had a bitter falling out after the 2014 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup, a feud that got space even in German media. Schrock had then declared he wasn’t playing for the Azkals as long as Dooley is in charge.

But apparently realizing his mistake, Schrock apologized to Dooley via text message recently and the German-American mentor accepted it.

Palami sees this as the first step to reconciliation for two individuals who share the same passion for the Azkals.

“It’s precisely because of this passion that somehow this misunderstanding came about – one wanting to play and the other wanting to win and sometimes some decisions have to be made that the others don’t like. At the end of the day, this particular desire to play for country and win for country will pave the way for players like Schrock to return,” said Palami. 

The Azkals boss draws his confidence from the case of goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, who also had a spat with Dooley but patched things up. Etheridge is linking with the team for its training camp in Bahrain.

“Same thing happened with Neil. After talking to coach, things have been made clearer for both parties. Neil is joining us in Bahrain. I’m optimistic the same thing will happen for Schrock,” said Palami.

Dooley confirmed accepting Schrock’s apology but maintained the latter has to “to do something more than texting me to say he’s sorry.”

“There are things he said that’s not true, things that need to be corrected,” he said.

The former US captain admitted Schrock would be a welcome addition to the team, if ever.