Dooley takes ouster as Philippine coach in stride

MANILA, Philippines — American coach Thomas Dooley yesterday said he harbors no ill feelings towards the Philippine Azkals who did not retain his services as they embark on their historic campaign in the 2019 Asian Cup.

The Azkals decided to tap former England World Cup captain Terry Butcher as new coach in place of Dooley, whose contract expired after steering the team to qualification in the Continental showpiece.

“I have no hard feelings about the decision the PFF (Philippine Football Federation) made. I don’t understand but I respect the decision. I’m proud and humbled to get the chance to represent this beautiful country, its terrific people and leading those fantastic players!” Dooley said in a message to the Filipinos two days after the Azkals announced the coaching change.

He said he continues to believe the Filipinos have the potential to make it big in international football given the “right program.”

“I hope one day young people will wake up, see the great opportunity and the future that lies in front of them. When the football community realizes that the Philippines has the genes of the Hispanics (Spain, Brazil, Argentina etc) their football future could be an Asian powerhouse. Maybe one day with the right program it will happen,” the former US skipper expressed. “Anything is possible!”

The Azkals flourished in their four years under Dooley but the German-American’s style also led to a spat with some key players like Stephan Schrock that prevented their participation in crucial sorties.

Management feels Butcher, who has had coaching experience in Scotland, England, Wales and Australia, will be the right man to lead the Azkals forward.

“We needed somebody with a wide international experience, good leadership skills and a vast knowledge of international football. Terry Butcher can provide us with all that,” said team manager Dan Palami. “ He has been in a situation before just like the Azkals where we have limited budget. Despite the limited budget, he was able to bring Inverness into one of the most successful runs in the Scottish Premier League and earned several coaching honors.”