BRISBANE, Australia — Alen Stajcic will no longer coach the Philippine women's football team after the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
This was announced by team manager Jeff Cheng.
Cheng said in a statement Stajcic and assistant coach Nahuel Arrarte will not be renewed as "both coaches have asked to explore other options."
The announcement comes on the heels of the Filipinas’ historic campaign in the Women’s World Cup where Stajcic guided the team to a win against New Zealand.
The Filipinas had a shot at reaching the round-of-16 but were ousted by world No. 12 Norway, 6-0, last Sunday.
Hired in 2021, the Australian coach guided the Philippines to new heights, reaching the semifinals of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, and clinching a berth in the Fifa Women’s World Cup for the very first time.
Stajcic’s contract was renewed last March 2022, with the deal expiring after the World Cup.
It is not yet clear where Stajcic is headed next but the Australian coach has been linked recently to the head coaching job at Perth Glory men’s football team in the A-League.
“They have they shown us what is possible with proper guidance, dedication and hard work, and their efforts have led to the greatest achievement in Philippine football thus far—a match won against the higher-ranked host nation at a World Cup,” Cheng added. “They will surely be our beloved heroes for decades to come.”
“To Coach Alen and Coach Naz, it was an honor working with you. Win, lose or draw, the entirety of our experience with you will be nothing but a happy memory for all of us. We will never forget you and we hope that you will never forget us too,” said Cheng.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph