Alen Stajcic will return to handle the Philippines in several tournaments before next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. AFC photo
Stajcic excited to stay with Malditas
ALEN Stajcic, describing his first stint with the Philippines women’s football team as one of the best experiences of his checkered career, is looking forward to elevate the program a notch higher.
“I’m delighted to continue our journey with the Phillipines Womens National Team through to the World Cup,” said Stajcic after agreeing to an extension of his contract.
“The Asian Cup performances were remarkable and phenomenal, but to share it with a group of staff and players that exemplified humility, gratitude and passion for the (Philippines) shirt is what really made it special,” the Australian coach added.
“I’m extremely excited to help lead the team in the next chapter as we head for the pinnacle of our sport.”
By guiding the Philippines to a historic qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup last month, Stajcic has signed a new contract that will keep him and his staff with the program until next year when the world’s biggest football showpiece will be played in Australia and New Zealand.
Team manager Jefferson Cheng made the announcement Friday night after meeting the 48-year old mentor in Sydney last Tuesday.
With Stajcic at the helm, the Filipinas reached the semifinals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in India for the first time after beating Chinese Taipei on penalties.
The Philippines, which lost to South Korea in the semis, finished joint third with Japan in the tournament won by China.
Up next for Stajcic is to lead the Filipinas in the Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam in May. The Philippines missed the podium in the 2019 edition held at home.
The Filipinas will also see action in the AFF Women’s Championships in Manila in July before vying in the Asian Games in China in September.
Assistant coach Nahuel Arrarte and strength and conditioning coach Luca Tonetti will also remain with the team, Cheng said.
