Former Manchester manager named PH Azkals’ newest coach

ICYMI: The Azkals has hired former: England, Mexico, Ivory Coast manager Sven-Göran Eriksson to lead the Philippines in the AFF Cup and the Asian Cup! (Photo: @theazkals/Instagram)

The country’s national football team, The Philippine Azkals, just announced the newest addition to their coaching staff – Sven-Goran Eriksson, former England team manager. Eriksson is heading the Askals for six months as they go to the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup in November and the Asian Cup in January. For the regional cup, they’ll be going against Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and East Timor to prepare for the international competition where they’ll be facing South Korea, China, and Kyrgyzstan.

Azkals team manager Dan Palami announced the news last Saturday, October 27 through the team’s Twitter account, saying in a video, “One of the legendary coaches of all time, coach Sven-Goran Eriksson will be coaching the Azkals for the Suzuki Cup and the Asian Cup.” He told the media that Eriksson “will be a great addition to the team” and “the players will learn a lot from him.”

Palami added, “The Philippines is a very good bed for his time and effort. I’m glad that he agreed after several exchanges of emails. We also met in Qatar. We’re looking forward to him coming over to the team. With his reputation, experience and knowledge, there’s no question he can help the team reach the next level.” The high-profile coach is expected to arrive in the Philippines on November 2, in time for the team’s final camp on November 3 and their departure for Bacolod on November 7. 

Eriksson is taking over the job of Terry Butcher, who left the Azkals two months ago. He’ll be working alongside interim coach Scott Cooper, who he’s previously worked with at Leicester City from 2010 to 2011.

Most known as England team manager from 2001 to 2006, Eriksson also has previous experience coaching Mexico and Ivory Coast. He led Benefica to three Portuguese Primeira Liga titles and Laizo to the Italian Series A championship.