Coach Hans Michael Weiss

[Wiking]

FROM: Spox.com

(Translated)
The first year after the action SPOX
Exactly twelve months, the German Michael White was coach of the Philippines, after being on the unique job ad's dressing SPOX was attentive and had applied. The beginning of an incredible adventure. The 46-year-old white on historic successes, chaos and David Beckham.

SPOX: Michael White, you got exactly one year ago was chosen as the new coach of the Philippine national team. Since then, the Philippines has worsened in the world ranking by six places from 153 to 159th What does that say about your work?

Michael White: Only a little. Unfortunately in the world rankings many factors are ignored, so it's especially for the rear seats only partly representative. 2011, we have set up several historical records: We are first in the second round of World Cup qualifiers and the main round of the Challenge Cup, the Asian Football Championships for developing countries to feed. In addition, we have after six years with the U-23 again made a junior national team on its feet. Previously there was only the A-team - and nothing else. These achievements speak louder than the pure world ranking position.

SPOX: In a Philippine newspaper said: '2011 is one in the annals as the year in which the Philippine Football was revived '. What is 2012 possible?
Facts
This is Michael White
Michael Weiß, der neue Nationaltrainer der Philippinen

* 11 March 1965

Soccer coach license

Diplom-Sportwissenschaftler/-Sportlehrer

SPOX successfully applied over the site of the Philippine National Trainers

2011: National coach Philippines
2007 - 2010: Technical Director of Rwanda's football federation
2004 - 2006: Co-Coach of Junior National coach Eckhard Krautzun the Chinese Association
2001 - 2004: Assistant coach in Japan at Kyoto Purple Sanga
Others attended lectures at Manchester United, Arsenal, Real Madrid and River Plate

White: Since we have wiped away Nepal in September 4-0, I know where I can get my bearings. Nepal at the time was ranked 31 world places before us was the big favorite - but we could by Stephan Schröck use all of Europe except professionals and overran the enemy. Now I am convinced that we are in the group stage of the Challenge Cup against World Cup participants North Korea, Tajikistan and India do not stand a chance, especially if Schröck of Fuerth receives eligibility to play.

SPOX: Schröck is already the big football star of the Philippines, although he was naturalized only in summers. Was his heroics in World Cup qualifiers return match against Kuwait for the highlight of the year, even though your team was eliminated at the end?

White: It is one of the most intense moments, we had the first leg in Kuwait lost 0-3, but thanks Schröck we went in the second leg 1-0 lead. Then we had the great opportunity to make it 2-0 a few minutes later, Kuwait saw the red card and our fans freaked out in the face of a possible miracle. The sensation was possible, but instead turned the match in Kuwait outnumbered and we lost 1:2. Yet she was one of the highlights of my life. Similarly, the 4:0 in the previous round against Sri Lanka - the first victory in a World Cup qualification game ever for the Philippines. Or the 3-0 win against Bangladesh, which we secured the participation in the Challenge Cup.

SPOX: Why you are the friendly match against the new U.S. champion Los Angeles Galaxy with David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane is not on? Of the media presence is probably the biggest football game of all time.

White: From the trappings, it was a great thing. Nevertheless, the game disappointed me, because it pointed out exactly where it is still lagging behind the national team. We were back at the break only 1-2, but in the end it was 1:6. My players are so enthusiastic about totally forgot the tactical order and seemed only to remember to get an autograph after the final whistle from Beckham. It was missed to make advertising for the football itself.

SPOX: How severe?

White: The national players are no different than it used to amateurs, instead they should be respected as true professionals from the outside. But they have to behave that way. That's why I sent a letter to the New Year to all, in which I have emphasized the responsibility of our team for the entire nation. This awareness to develop one of my most important tasks.

*Weiss = White

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[stellarboy]

Azkals coach Weiss to hold football clinics in Mindanao, Visayas areas
By Mars Alison
Cebu Daily News
7:07 am | Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

AS his way of giving back to the country, Philippine Azkals German coach Hans Michael Weiss will hold free football camps in several areas in the Visayas and Mindanao.

As his personal summer project in helping the country’s grassroots football development, Weiss said that he will be traveling to Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu and Dumaguete from April 20 to the middle of May to teach football.

The German coach said that he will be bringing some of the members of the Philippine Azkals with him for the camp, at least those who will be available.

He added that it will be a 2-3 day camp and that he will be coordinating with local football organizers.

According to Weiss, he had made a big investment in his job as a coach for the Philippines national men’s football team. He said that the situation with the Philippine Azkals is not ideal as they are not always together for training which is needed for team cohesion.

However, he said that he has been positive about everything and that he has been happy with the team’s progress. According to Weiss, the next generation will benefit from the team’s continued progress.

Aside from Weiss, also planning to tour the country and teach football is the Younghusband Football Academy.

James Younghusband announced during the Philippine Sports Commission Sports Summit last February in Manila that the five areas wherein they will be conducting grassroots football development are Cebu, Davao, Naga, Bohol and Pampanga.

Phil Younghusband said there is no definite schedule yet but most probably it will happen after the summer because the academy has something planned for the summer in Manila.

newsinfo.inquirer.net/165573/azkals-coach-weiss-to-hold-football-clinics-in-mindanao-visayas-areas

[jvictor]

Did Weiss play football when he was young?

[stellarboy]

Mar 22, 2012 11:38:42 GMT 8 jvictor said:

Did Weiss play football when he was young?

He once played as a goalkeeper for VfB 1900 Offenbach, a Kriesliga (9th tier) club, around the late 80s.

[teddyandtimmysdad]

Well, I feel I just have to comment after reading this recent news from the press. First, let me say that I applaud the efforts of Coach Weiss and the Azkals to spend their time helping the youth development efforts in the Philippines. However, after reading the story, I have to say that this is very disappointing. People who are supposedly "in the know" say that the best players are in the south. The north is struggling to keep up with the south - at least according to people "in the know." So, where does the PFF send Coach Weiss and the Azkals? As it says in this press article, "Weiss said that he will be traveling to Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu and Dumaguete from April 20 to the middle of May to teach football." This will include some of the Azkals according to the press. On the surface, this once again seems to demonstrate favoritism of the PFF for the south, without due consideration for the areas which are reputed to be weaker. What will be the impact of this? Instead of elevating areas that are in the most need skill wise, it further elevates the supposed disparities which exist in this country from a skill perspective.

The PFF is supposed to be conducting / or have completed a strategic effort involving many parties to create a plan for youth development in the Philippines. I assume this is a plan for the Philippines, not a plan for Davao, or a plan for Iloilo, or a plan for Cebu, or a plan for "the south." If the Philippines is receiving money from global bodies (Germany, Japan, Middle East, Fifa, etc) - then I hope the PFF will be good stewards of this money and deal with it FAIRLY, not just spending it in one part of the country.

I would like to invite someone from the PFF to clarify what is really happening, so that those of us who try to help youth football on our own, in our own small ways, will not feel like we have been bypassed simply because the entire focus seems to be upon some other area of the country.

(edited: What was posted here is a duplicate of the article I posted earlier. --stellarboy)

[teddyandtimmysdad]

I want to clarify, because it is possible that my original post may sound too harsh. In fact, I did not intend it to be so much "in the face" of the PFF. But, I do think open questions need to be asked, and I think everyone should have some understanding of what is going on and why. As I have pointed out before, there has been a strategic exercise going on within the PFF for youth development involving more than 40 people including PFF regional delegates, coaches, and even representatives from places far away such as Japan. This can only be a GOOD thing for the Philippines and its forward path for football. I applaud the PFF for these far ranging efforts to put in place a vision and enabling that vision with clear action. I only hope for some clarification regarding their thinking and focus, and hope that it represents a fair chance for youth everywhere, not just a select few.

Regarding the specific case of Coach Weiss and some of the Azkals conducting these camps ONLY in the south, this is very puzzling. I met just today with the President of the Tarlac PFF, who through the courageous efforts of his small group, teachers who volunteer for coaching sessions, much of which is totally unfunded and voluntary in nature - represents a wonderful expression of hope for grassroots efforts in the Philippines. I wonder why, for example, Coach Weiss and the Azkals do not put a group such as this on their roster of training camps? I know they were there last year to support the boys in Tarlac, but why not continue the support for needy areas such as these?

[jvictor]

Can Weiss be put in the legends thread? Becuz he brought the team to the CC Cup for the first time and reached the semis

[cypher210]

well he's still active

[cjeagle]

jvictor

Excuse me. How exactly do you define a legend? Are you talking about the coach who led the Philippines to last place in the SEA games behind such powerhouses as Brunei and Timor Leste? Or are you talking about the coach who has the singular record of losing and being outcoached by a team(Mongolia) which has the distinction of being one of only 2 FIFA affiliated sides to lose to Guam.

Are you talking about the hardworking coach who doesn't seem to be doing much between tournaments, not even taking the time to scout potential local players by watching local UFL games or scouting future opponents ahead of time? Or finally, are you really talking about the guy whose only experience as head coach, before he took on the job with the Azkals is managing youth teams? You can congratulate him for doing well in one tournament with better players at his disposal, but how exactly can you call him a legend when his body of work is not particularly exceptional.

When it comes to sports figures, you start calling a player or coach a legend, after his career is over and he has proven that his achievements is exceptional among his peers. Better yet, you get more
perspective if you wait after a few years after the players retire, before labeling someone an alltime great or a legend.

[stellarboy]

Weiss: Philippines fans take my breath away
(FIFA.com) Thursday 26 April 2012

When Michael Weiss enters a room, he is immediately the centre of attention. And it is not just because the 47-year-old German coach a big man with a deep voice. Simply put, Weiss is a commanding and self-confident figure who leads from the front and inspires his followers.

This is especially true in his current role in charge of the Philippines, where seemingly he can do no wrong. Indeed, under his guidance, the Azkals have been scaling hitherto unknown heights.

His operating base is Manila, but news of the latest upswing in the national team's fortunes under his stewardship has spread way beyond the city limits of the sprawling metropolis. The Azkals, which loosely translates as ‘street dogs’ and is the team’s affectionate nickname, have been making headlines around the world after claiming a stunning third place at the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal.

“Winning bronze was the greatest success in the history of the association. The players have made themselves immortal," Weiss told FIFA.com, his voice ringing with passion and pride. “Before the tournament, no-one really took us that seriously, but now we sense plenty of respect. The time has come to aim for the next step, and strive for the levels of the teams in the Middle East, the challengers to the really big names in our region. Later on, we can even aim to match Japan, Australia and South Korea."

Weiss has a vision, and he is determined to realise it. An expert in the Far East and Africa, he gained experience in Japan, China PR and Rwanda before taking the Philippines' reins in early 2011. When he took over, football was a discipline many locals were indifferent about. Basketball was the best-loved sport, but based on their recent success, the Azkals have prompted ecstatic scenes around the nation of 92 million in south-east Asia.

“When we play in Manila, the stadiums are totally sold out nowadays. The fans are a riot of colour and adore my lads as if they were pop stars. The passion takes your breath away. I get goose bumps every time," said the man with a degree in sports science.

There is no mistaking the sparkle in his eyes when he speaks of what has happened in Philippine football over recent months. “We scout around the world, and we're working step-by-step on improving tactically and developing a winning mentality. We're noticing increasing respect and admiration. Our opponents for friendlies are stronger now, and that's exactly the way it has to continue."

The former goalkeeper, a member of the German FA (DFB) overseas coaching project, feels totally at home in Asia. His wife is Japanese, and he himself is completely open to new influences:

“To work in this region, you need good social skills," he explained. "It's very important to accept the prevailing mentality. There's no point coming out here and taking a rigid German approach, trying to restructure everything all at once."

This attitude must be one of the keys to his success, although Teutonic virtues are not completely forgotten: “But obviously part of the job is getting the players to accept that success only comes through hard work and a certain level of discipline."

Weiss has clearly mastered this aspect of the job. Around 20 of his current squad play for Philippine clubs, and these are the coach’s main focus. On top of that, the group has in recent times been strengthened with professionals from Europe and America, who may have grown up overseas but boast Philippine roots: “Before our big matches, we have players coming in from England, Spain and Germany. Ahead of the key games, one of the challenges for me is to prepare my regular squad to a level which allows us to train efficiently when the overseas-based players arrive.”

Overseas reinforcements
The current star of the Philippines is Stephan Schrock. The 25-year-old helped Greuther Furth gain promotion to the German Bundesliga this season, but he would have been playing in the top flight next term anyway as he is set to join Hoffenheim this summer. The player gladly undertakes the long trip to join up with the other Azkals.

Weiss said: “If we have Schrock and Manuel Ott from the (German second division) Ingolstadt reserves, or Jerry Lucena from Denmark as twin holding midfielders, we're capable of giving the second-tier teams from Asia a tough time on a good day."

However, Weiss is acutely aware that it hardly makes sense to fill out his entire team with starlets from abroad. “This isn't about short-term success, it's about the long-term development of the team and earning football a place in the hearts of the Philippine people," he insisted.

Two vital figures in this mission are James and Phil Younghusband, brothers who are both products of the Chelsea youth system but long ago returned to Manila where they play for a local club. “As you'd expect, they’re exceptionally important players who people really identify with,” Weiss said.

It was Schrock who recently brought the Philippines to within an ace of an even bigger shock result. In the second round of Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, Weiss and his men lost 3-0 away to Kuwait, but crowd hero ‘Schrocky’ blasted his side into the lead with a long-range blockbuster shortly before half-time in the return, turning the Manila stadium into a cauldron of noise and colour.

“We ended up losing 2-1 and we were very disappointed," recalled Weiss. "But as I told my lads: don't let your heads go down, that was just the start."

Weiss is more than conscious of the need to continue managing expectations in the Philippines: “I think there's a danger that folk want too much, too soon. The first taste of success is sweet, but let no-one forget that we still have to take it step-by-step." He is insistent on a gradual approach, and one or two players who were unwilling to accept this philosophy are no longer members of the squad.

“I count myself exceptionally lucky, and I'm always delighted to be working together with people such as association president Mariano Araneta and team manager Dan Palami. They know that small steps are the right way forward, and they've always given me full support, even when I take difficult decisions," said Weiss. “If we can continue on this path, in partnership with the DFB's overseas coaching project, we could go a long way in the future."

But what does that mean in concrete terms? “It's too early to talk about qualifying for the World Cup. But when it comes to qualifying for the 2018 tournament, I'm convinced we can go further than the second round," said the coach. “But our big target is winning the AFC Challenge Cup in 2014, because then we'd qualify for the AFC Asia Cup in Australia the following year. That's realistic, and it would mean we'd be exactly where we want to be."

Membership of the continental elite suddenly appears an achievable dream.

www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1620964.html

[dingodile5]

Weiss thanks Pinoys for Azkals support
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 04/28/2012 7:12 PM | Updated as of 04/28/2012 7:12 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Football coach Hans Michael Weiss is appreciative of the support and adoration extended by local fans to the Philippine Azkals.

Weiss said Filipinos are becoming more passionate about football and it shows each time the Azkals play at home.

“When we play in Manila, the stadiums are totally sold out nowadays,” said Weiss on FIFA.com.

“The fans are a riot of color and adore my lads as if they were pop stars. The passion takes your breath away. I get goose bumps every time.”

But he said there’s also the danger of the fans’ high expectations.

“I think there's a danger that folk want too much, too soon. The first taste of success is sweet, but let no-one forget that we still have to take it step-by-step," he said.

In their last outing, the Philippine Azkals surprised their international counterparts in the AFC Challenge Cup.

After losing to North Korea, the Azkals pulled the rug from under former Challenge Cup titlists India and Tajikistan.

They yielded to Turkmenistan in the semifinal round but nabbed third place by beating Palestine.

It was the Philippines' best ever finish in the tournament.

“Winning bronze was the greatest success in the history of the association. The players have made themselves immortal," Weiss said. “Before the tournament, no-one really took us that seriously, but now we sense plenty of respect.

www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/business/04/28/12/govt-accepts-9-bidders-oil-gas-contracts

[stellarboy]

Football Asia interview (from the AFF Suzuki Cup page):