Interim Coach Norman Fegidero Jr. admitted that there was not enough time to establish synergy with the Philippine Men's National Football, but he believes the team will go out, nonetheless.
Despite the shocking turn of events last week, Philippine Men’s National Football Team interim head coach Norman Fegidero Jr acknowledged the task at hand.
“My job is [to] make this team competitive. We’ll give them a good fight,” Fegederio spoke on the eve of the Nationals’ opening game against host Malaysia in the 2024 Merdeka Cup.
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Fegidero was chosen to lead the Philippines in the said tournament after former head coach Tom Saintfiet stepped down from the position last Thursday, August 29.
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The former Philippine team midfielder, however, is no stranger to the position as he first took on the role as head coach back in 2008.
He also revealed that the Philippine team only had one training day. Fegidero, however, trusts that his players will give their best in the upcoming tournament.
“It’s a big challenge for me on how we prepare the team. It’s a unique situation, but I believe in them.”
Jarvey Gayoso echoed the same sentiment of his coach
“Most of the guys here, we’ve already met, and we’ve played with one another. So right now, we’re just preparing ourselves mentally for the game tomorrow,” Gayoso said.
Fegidero is optimistic of the Philippines’ chances in the four-nation tournament.
“We want to win. We’re all on the same page. We want to win for our fans, of course.”
The Philippines will open their 2024 Merdeka Cup campaign against host Malaysia tomorrow, September 4, at 9:00 p.m. If the Filipino booters beat Malaysia, the country will face the winner of the Lebanon-Tajikistan match on Sunday.
A loss, however, would mean that the Nationals will be relegated to the bronze medal match.