FORMER Philippine Men’s Football National team coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has succumbed to pancreatic cancer on Monday. He was 76.
The Swedish manager had a short stint with the Azkals from 2018 to 2019, bannering the squad that competed in the Asian Cup for the first time.
He led the Azkals to the semifinals of the 2018 AFF Championship, losing to eventual champions Vietnam on aggregate in the two-legged semis clash.
The Philippines would wound up winless in its maiden appearance in the continental tournament, but showed plenty of promise as it stayed close with two-time Asian champions South Korea in the opener.
He was replaced by Scott Cooper after the tournament, though he stayed on as a consultant.
Eriksson is certainly the highest profile manager the Azkals ever had with 40 years of managerial experience when he joined the Philippines, including a five-year stint with the England Men’s National Football team from 2001-2006.
He led England to quarterfinals finishes in the 2002 and 2006 World Cup, and the 2004 Euros.
He was the first non-English manager to handle “The Three Lions,” while also having stints with IFK Goteborg, Benfica, Lazio and Manchester City.
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