Scott Cooper new Azkals coach

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine team football consultant Scott Cooper will oversee the Azkals’ buildup for the Fifa World Cup Qualifiers after the brief stint of the Sven Goran Eriksson at the helm.

“Scott will be the one in charge of the preparations for the Fifa World Cup Qualifiers,” Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta said.

Cooper has been with Phl XI since last year, handling its training before Eriksson was appointed and assisting in the team’s campaign in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup, where it reached the semis, and the historic debut in the AFC Asian Cup this month.

The Irish mentor would have to get his Fifa Pro A license, though, to be able to sit as Phl coach in the WC Qualifiers expected to begin by September or October.

“We’re satisfied with the way Scott is handling the team,” said Araneta. “But he has to get his license.”

Cooper, according to the PFF chief, is also giving coach Anto Gonzales a hand in gearing up the Phl U-22 squad set for battle in the Asean meet and Southeast Asian Games.

“Scott is willing to help Anto prepare the team to the next level,” he said.

The agreement with former England coach Eriksson, Araneta explained, was only for six months.

“We just wanted a fresh face, a new perspective regarding the Azkals. I think he has inspired the players because they have a lot of respect for coach Sven and because of that also, we have gotten a lot of interest from other players who want to play for the Philippine team,” Araneta said.