By Peter Atencio
German coach Hans Michael Weiss is returning to coach the Philippine Azkals.
Weiss will be on his second tour of duty with the Azkals, some 10 years after he last handled the squad back in January 2014.
Officials of the Philippine Football Federation have announced Weiss’ comeback stint, after he has spent his time coaching in Romania with first division club Otelul Galati and the national teams of Mongolia from 2017 to 2020) and Laos from 2022 to 2023.
When the Azkals play their friendly matches starting with Nepal on June 15 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, Weiss will be around to call the shots.
The Azkals friendly with Chinese Taipei on June 19 will also see Weiss making his presence felt.
“We are delighted to welcome coach Weiss back to the Philippine national men’ team,” said PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta in a statement.
Weiss was the coach of the Azkals from 2011 to 2013 and handled 44 matches.
After winning 21, drawing 11 and losing 12 games, the Azkals had a third-place finish in the AFC Challenge Cup in 2012.
Under Weiss, the Azkals got a semifinal appearance in the ASEAN Football Federation Championships.