BANGKOK – In the past, the Philippine Azkals would run out of ammo if a key player suddenly got injured or had to serve out suspension.
Well, that’s not the case anymore.
Today’s bench is so deep that even usual starters like Chieffy Caligdong would come in as sub and veterans like Chris Greatwich would have to fight for playing time.
So when Fil-Danish Jerry Lucena left after two games and Fil-Icelandic Ray Jonsson has to rest his injured right quad in tonight’s all-important game against Myanmar in the AFF Suzuki Cup, Azkals coach Michael Weiss still has enough in the arsenal.
“We have a good pool of players. Our advantage is everybody knows the system. And the maturity to understand the system. Plus the core of the back four (Rob Gier, Juani Guirado and Dennis Cagara) is very experienced to lead the younger players,” said Weiss.
“That’s the strong suit of our team; whomever we choose can fill in the gaps,” he added.
Save for the goalkeeping position where he was stuck with homegrown Ed Sacapano and Ref Cuaresma, Weiss enjoys the luxury of shuffling guys and picking out someone from the bench who can step in at a moment’s notice.
Like UFL MVP Carli de Murga, who did not play at all in the first two games, but is expected to cover for injured fullback Jonsson.
“Probably Carli de Murga will play for Ray Jonsson. He’s definitely a good replacement. Carli actually was a starting member under my watch for most of the time. He will be more than excited and hot to play. Anyone coming in now will run for his life and will help and support the team 100 percent so it will be good for us as team, makes us very positive for tomorrow’s match,” said Weiss.