ALEN Stajcic is focused on the immediate task with the Philippine women's football team in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup amid the clamor for him to stay.
The seasoned international football manager said he is not thinking about his future coaching stint, yet, even as the the Philippine Football Federation declared it intends to retain the services of the Australian tactician until the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup.
Stajcic steered the Filipina footballers to the Women's World Cup, but his contract as manager ends after the Asian Cup.
“My comments are the same as what I said before,” said Stajcic on Wednesday during the pre-match press conference. “I’m not focusing on the World Cup, not focusing on next week. We are focusing on South Korea.”
South Korea is the Philippines’ next opponent in what has been an incredible performance for the women’s national football team. After qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in history, the team fondly called as Malditas by fans will be playing for a spot in the finals in the Asian Cup against either China or Japan.
The match is scheduled at 1:30 p.m. at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, India (4 p.m. Manila time) .
Stajcic said the team met to recalibrate after the high of qualifying to the World Cup.
“We sat down and had a team meeting and we discussed as a group and the girls agreed that this is the focus. We have to win this game,” said Stajcic.
“We are focused on competing and beating Korea,” he added.
Alen Stajcic and the Filipina footballers look to continue the fine run in the Asian meet.
It will be another grueling task for the Philippines as it faces another highly-ranked opponent in Korea. Ranked No. 18 in the world, the Koreans beat No. 11 Australia, 1-0, in the quarterfinals on a goal by Ji So-Yun.
“It’s another tough game for us. We have many tough games in this tournament and obviously, Korea is one of the big teams of Asia and have qualified for the last few World Cups. Undoubtedly, a tough challenge for us but one that we are looking forward to,” he said.
Focus will definitely be on Ji, who was described by Stajcic as one of the top five players in the world. Korea coach Colin Bell said Ji, who got hurt shortly after scoring in the 87th minute against the Matildasis, is fit to play in the semifinals .
“I’ve been watching Korea for a number of years now and they’ve always been a good team and always been a contender. This is probably the first time in a long time that they are starting to really see their potential. It was a big win for them the other day. They haven’t beaten Australia for a long time as far as I know, maybe 10 or 12 years. So I’m sure they will be feeling confidence from that game and from that win,” said Stajcic.
Bell said he is also impressed with the Philippines’ performance in the competition and it should not be taken lightly.
“I think it will be a tough game. Philippines is a strong side, disciplined, well-organized, a really experienced coach. Alen had a lot of success in Australia and made the Australian team to what we know now. A tough game for us but we are looking forward to it,” said Bell.
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