GERRIT Holtmann finally played his first game for the Philippines at home in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers on Tuesday, three years since he started playing for the national colors.
He is already excited to play for the next international window to help continue its promising campaign after it drew with Asian Cup quarterfinalist Tajikistan, 2-2, at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium.
READ: Kristensen brace levels PMNT vs Tajikistan in Asian Cup qualifier
Injuries prevented Holtmann from seeing action last March when the Philippines defeated Maldives, 4-1, also in Capas, Tarlac, but the Fil-German said he's already looking forward to play back-to-back games against Timor Leste in the October window.
“I will come for sure,” the German Bundesliga campaigner said after the match as PMNT visits Timor Leste on October 9, before hosting the same country on October 14.
Capellas influence
Fans have been waiting for Holtmann to see action for the Philippines again after making his debut in 2022 during the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers where he played two games.
Holtmann only returned in 2024 when then-head coach Albert Capellas took over. He played in three matches including the King’s Cup in Thailand where they defeated Tajikistan.
Holtmann didn’t disappoint on Tuesday when displayed his world-class skills during the match, where at one point, he dribbled against two defenders to the delight of the 10,854 fans at the venue.
Holtmann admitted Capellas was a big reason why he returned to the national squad, and from there, he was all in.
“Albert, we had a lot of phone calls in the last season. I think it started in June, July, August, when I wasn’t playing a lot. Albert told me, when you come here again, believe me Gerrit, I will help you and you will help us. And this is why I came back also for the national team,” said Holtmann, recalling his conversation with the Spanish mentor whose credential includes stints with FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund programs.
Stability in the coaching ranks
Holtmann admitted the stability within the coaching staff also contributed to his comeback to the national team after two years.
“With all respect, but before, there were a lot of coaching change. This was a little bit chaotic. But this is ending now. Freddy (Gonzales, Philippine Football Federation director of national teams) made a great job. The president also made a great job, the PFF also.”
The VfL Bochum player who is currently on loan at Darmstadt 98 said he wanted to play last March, but had just healed from an injury and the club was up against Bayern Leverkusen in the Bundesliga after the international duties.
“Last time in March for the Asian qualifiers against Maldives, I had a muscle injury. I want to play also for the national team but the club wanted to find a solution because I was two weeks and out and I had no preparation game, and I had a Friday game against Leverkusen. That’s why I stayed in Germany,” said Holtmann.
“I’m happy that I came out healthy today,” said Holtmann.
Capellas is no longer with the team, but his imprint has stayed with his assistant Carles Cuadrat taking over. Holtmann’s desire to play for the national team still remain, and after getting a point against the 104th ranked team in the world, Holtmann likes the Philippines’ chances in qualifying for the Asian Cup
“This is a huge step,” said Holtmann.
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