Frank Muescan impressed with improved United Clark chemistry after 2-week lull

It took a two-week break for United Clark to show its best form so far in the PFL season. PFL (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

BINAN--For Coach Frank Muescan, United Clark's unexpected long break turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

The defending PFL champion had its Week 4 match against the Azkals Development Team canceled after a flu outbreak within the club.

With United Clark taking Week 5 off, the club actually had two consecutive weeks of rest.

However, on Saturday night, at least for the first 80 minutes of its away match at Stallion Laguna, United Clark looked even more cohesive than its domination against Maharlika Manila and Mendiola to start its PFL season.

"The two-week break is really a big help for us," Muescan said after United Clark's 4-2 win at the Binan Football Stadium.

[Related Story: United Clark returns with crucial road win as Stallion Laguna's comeback falls short anew]

He added that the lull in the action was something the club needed to reflect on what happened in its Week 3 shock draw against Cebu in Manila and recalibrate its plan for its title defense.

"The two-week break is the one that really helped us to think and make a program so that we can improve more," Muescan further said.

He then believes United Clark has come to a point where the bond is now similar to a band of brothers.

"As we go on with the program and in our training, we can see the chemistry already building up, and we're already on that level of understanding, communication, and also the relationship of the players--as we play in the season--that I feel we're like a family," Muescan further said.

However, there could be another need for some minor reshaping of the season plan after Stallion Laguna, although a bit too late, made things somehow interesting in the final 14 minutes, stoppage time included.

"It's already a win. We were thinking of the win already, but it's disappointing because, at the last minute, we conceded goals. But that's football. Anything can happen at the last minute," Muescan further said.

Stallion Laguna's gallant endgame stand is somehow similar to that of Cebu three weeks ago, but the difference is that United Clark still walked away victorious.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno