Azkals thrive in Dooley’s system

MALE’ – Gold or bust in the AFC Challenge Cup, Azkals team manager Dan Palami is quite pleased with how the side’s merry mix of experience and youth is progressing under the system put in place by coach Thomas Dooley.

The Azkals have tapped Dooley, the former US captain in the World Cup, to lead the way as they strive to “level up”after breaking new grounds in the region.

In their first tournament under Dooley, the Pinoy booters topped Group B action then outlasted host Maldives in a gruelling exta time semis encounter, 3-2, to stand on the cusp of greatness.

They tried to complete their drive to history by copping the crown and taking the last berth to the AFC Asian Cup against Palestine last night at Maldives’ National Stadium here.

“Thomas Dooley had proven he can take us to the next level,” said Palami.

“The kind of game we’re playing is a game that I think fits us so if we’re given more time together to prepare, I think we can do better and play even better than how we’re playing right now,” he added.

Dooley came on board last February and had four months to prepare the Azkals for the Asian Cup-qualifying tourney.

He had made the Azkals a simple, active-pressing, short passing football side and gradually brought in new faces from the local league.

“Most important thing is he knows exactly how he wants us to play and he’s able to impart to the players the kind of game each player should be playing under his tutelage,” said Palami.

“And the best part of it is that the players are given confidence and he does not hesitate to put new players, new faces to the mix when he feels they can do the job,” he added.

This is Dooley’s baptism of fire as head coach. He was an assistant with the US U-20 side prior to handling the Phl booters.

“I believe in the players, that they can play. I saw them play and I know what they can do so we tested something almost every game and everything worked out,” said Dooley.

“So I was confident that after two games, we can already go further and we can go on playing to a different level,” he added.

It wasn’t easy, admitted the debuting coach.

“It’s hard to prepare for this kind of tournament because this is the first one I’m in charge of. There are so many little issues you have to consider and we gotta do better next time. It’s a great experience but overall I trusted the players,” Dooley said.

Azkals management believes the team is on the right track.

“The system that he’s tried to set up has proven successful,” said Palami.