Hans Weiss back as Azkals coach

After nine years, Hans Weiss is once again the Azkals' head coach.
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—One of the Philippine Azkals' prime movers during its heydays during the early 2010s is back with the national team.

The Philippine Football Federation announced on Tuesday that Hans Weiss is returning as the Azkals head coach.

“We are delighted to welcome coach Weiss back to the PHI MNT,” said PFF president Nonong Araneta.

Weiss coached the Azkals from 2011-2014, winning 21 matches in the senior level and drawing 11 more out of 44.

He most recently spearheaded Laos' national team program just as the country began loosening up from COVID-19 restrictions, coaching the seniors, the under-19, and the under-23 squads.

He also had spells with Romanian top-flight club Otelul Galati and the Mongolian national team.

“He has kept the Philippines close to his heart and continues to be a well-respected figure by players and staff. He has also gained valuable experience over the past decade that will help him in his return to the Philippines. We are hopeful that his second opportunity to the team will be more successful than the first,” Araneta further said.

Weiss' second tour of duty with the Azkals begins with two friendlies later this month against Nepal and Chinese Taipei, both happening at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

In line with the upcoming matches, Weiss called up Neil Etheridge, Patrick Deyto, Julian Schwarzer, Amani Aguinaldo, Jesper Nyholm, Carli De Murga, Martin Steuble, Daisuke Sato, Santi Rublico, Jesse Curran, Marco Casambre, Dylan De Bruycker, Jared Peña, Oskari Kekkonen, Mike and Manny Ott, Sandro Reyes, Pika Minegishi, Kevin Ingreso, Patrick Reichelt, OJ Porteria, Gio Pabualan, Andres Aldeguer, Kenshiro Daniels, Jarvey Gayoso, and Bienve Marañon to join the training camp ahead of the matches.

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