THE Philippine Football Federation (PFF) said the first priority in its build-up for the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup is to retain the services of head coach Alen Stajcic.
PFF president Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta said the country’s build-up for the Women’s World Cup begins once the campaign of the national team concludes in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
The first order of business, however, is to keep Stajcic, whose contract with the squad expires at the end of the Asian Cup.
“We have to talk to coach Alen because of course, he has brought the team to where it is now,” said Araneta during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum. “We want him to continue until probably the World Cup next year.”
“Whatever it takes for us to get him,” Araneta added.
PFF general secretary Edwin Gastanes, meanwhile, said Stajcic will most likely go to Manila after the Asian Cup for a break. The federation will then take the opportunity to discuss his contract extension.
Gastanes said the PFF is also planning to retain Stajcic’s entire team.
“Our first objective is to secure the services of coach Alen and his team,” said Gastanes. “May kasama siyang fitness coach, meron siyang analytics coach, assistant coach, at ‘yung sa video coach niya and on the ground coach. Meron din tayong mga local coaches na inassign doon para may transfer din ng technology.”
“Pero ang gusto natin ‘yung makuha pa rin ‘yung serbisyo ng kanyang team. Hindi siya biro. He is one of the best women coaches in the world,” said Gastanes.
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