FANS can expect some slow but steady top-to-bottom changes in how national football teams are formed in the future, according to newly-appointed Philippine Football Federation Director for National Teams Freddy Gonzales, who will also have a direct hand in managing the national men’s squad.
“You can expect some changes in the outlook on how we will be forming our national teams from the age group levels to our senior squads. We would like to have a new identity for national teams as they play for flag and country,” Gonzales, a former national team standout, said.
“I would like to see our national teams across the board have a more offensive approach and not rely on just counterattacks,” said the former national striker, who played for the national side that saw action in the 1998 AFF Men’s Championship, then known as the Suzuki Cup, in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
With veteran Spanish coach Juan Cutillas at the helm of the Pinoy booters, Gonzales scored all three goals in the 1-3 and 2-5 setbacks against Thailand and Myanmar, respectively, in Group A of the competition.
“Freddy has always been driven to win. His drive for excellence, professionalism, attention to detail, and great organizational skills are important qualities we need,” noted new PFF president John Gutierrez of Gonzales’s appointment in a statement.
“This marks a new era and direction for our national men’s team,” he added. “We cannot wait for him to get started and the PFF will be working closely with him in putting together the team that will support our players and coaching staff.”
