Alen Stajcic expresses his gratitude for those who supported the Filipinas to reach new heights, as he moves on to a new chapter.
The Philippine Women’s National Football Team just concluded a historic run at the 2023 Women’s World Cup that saw them put up a fight against some of the best players in the world on their debut. Right off the heels of their exit from the tournament, the man who led the team, Alen Stajcic, announced that he will no longer be returning as the Head Coach of the Filipinas.
The contracts of both Stajcic and Assistant Coach Nahuel Arrarte expired after the national team’s World Cup run, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) confirmed earlier today.
“Throughout nearly 20 months we went on a journey together as a Team from outsiders in South-East Asia to winning a match at a World Cup,” Stajcic expressed in his statement, announcing his departure from the team.
The PFF revealed that the decision of both coaches was based on their desire to “explore other options.”
However, Stajcic expressed deep gratitude to the players and Filipino fans for their support in the last 20 months he dedicated to the team, leading the team from milestone to milestone.
“Without question, the two best experiences of my coaching career thus far were the last two World Cup matches. Beating New Zealand on home soil and scoring our first World Cup goal and getting our first win was the things that dreams are made of,” he shared.
To the players, I can only say, you were courageous, passionate, disciplined, and loyal to the Team, the flag, and the country. Your sacrifices should be long remembered by all Philippine Sports fans. To give hope and inspiration is the greatest of all achievements. I wish everyone a great future and look forward to following the next chapters in the story.”
This is a bittersweet announcement, especially coming off of a World Cup run that sparked a deep passion for football among Filipino sports fans. Coach Alen and Coach Naz will both surely be missed, and the PFF, along with the members Filipino sports community, bid them farewell with gratitude for their service to the flag, and wish them luck in the next chapters of their careers.
Banner image from AFP.
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