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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Contract extension a no-brainer, says women's football coach Alen Stajcic

Contract extension a no-brainer, says women's football coach Alen Stajcic

Published Mar 11, 2022 04:27 pm

Alen Stajcic

Coach Alen Stajcic said signing a contract to remain with the national women’s football team was a no-brainer despite fielding multiple offers following his successful stewardship in the recent AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Stajcic said it was a “decision of the heart” that led to a new deal which will keep him as coach until the country’s historic participation in next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Aussie mentor bared that offers from different countries, including a club back home.

“There were other offers,” Stajcic said in a press conference facilitated Friday, March 11 by the Philippine Football Federation. “There was a European club, there was a men's national team and even even some interest here in Australia and in the men's pro league.

“But, just being around such wonderful people, the players and the staff really enjoyed being a part of that group and, you know, the executive staff at the PFF, it really has been a pleasure to meet everyone and be in touch with everyone and engage with everyone.

“And for me, we started the journey. So now it's a process of really getting into the fun part and working hard to get to that World Cup. Definitely it was a decision of passion which spelled the difference.”

Team manager Jefferson Cheng and Stajcic finalized the deal last week which was welcomed with elation from the local football community after the Philippines earned a historic trip to the World Cup by reaching the Asian Cup semifinals.

But first, Stajcic will be tasked to form a squad capable of making heads turn in the Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, the country’s hosting of the AFF Women’s Championship and the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

“I could see that his heart is with the Philippine national team, and I respect him greatly for that. I think that was what made him decide to extend the contract so to speak,” said Cheng.

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