High-level matches are expected for the Philippine men’s national soccer team in the coming weeks.
Coach Hans-Michael Weiss, who departed for Bahrain with his team on Monday, said he was looking forward to testing his sons’ mettle.
“We’re going to play two games, and we’re going to analyze the games at a high level,” Weiss said Sunday during a Zoom gathering with reporters.
The Azkals are preparing for a training camp, an away friendly against Bahrain and an unofficial showdown with Uzbekistan.
The camp is being organized during this month’s FIFA international period and in conjunction with Askar’s strengthening for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers (WCQ).
The 132nd-ranked Azkals will face 86th-ranked Bahrain on October 17 as part of a 10-day training camp.
Before that, the Azkals are scheduled to play Uzbekistan on Sunday, October 15th.
Weiss is preparing the Azkals for the second round of the WCQ, which begins on November 16th against Manama.
“We need to have a clear picture of who is available and who could be an interesting player in the future,” Weiss added.
A total of 25 players were called up for Bahrain’s reinforcements, led by veteran Patrick Reichert.
Reichert has made 77 appearances for the national team, making him one of the most experienced active players alongside captain Neil Etheridge, who has 75 caps.peter atencio