Dooley asked to play other roles in support of Philippines’ football.
Thomas Dooley is surprised about why he was sacked by the Philippines Football Federation as Azkals’ coach. “I have no hard feelings about the decision the PFF made. I don’t understand, but I respect the decision,” he said.
“I’m proud and humbled to get the chance to represent this beautiful country, his terrific people and leading those fantastic players,” Dooley wrote on Facebook.
Terry Butcher has replaced Dooley as the head man. But the change doesn’t mean Dooley is out of the picture. Dan Palami, the Azkals’ team manager, said Dooley is still needed in Philippine football.
Dan Palami (photo, GMA Network)
“Philippine football needs someone like Thomas, just not in his capacity as head coach,” Palami said. “There’s a lot of things that need to be done and Thomas can contribute. I ask him to be part of that with the Azkals.”
Dooley had success on the field. His team was the 2014 AFC Championship runner-up and played in the semi-finals of the Suzuki Cup that year. And, for the first time, the Azkals qualified for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Under Dooley, the Azkals moved up 15 slots in FIFA’s world ranking (from 130 to 115).
Pressure is now on Butcher to continue improving the team and meet higher expectations. “I expect him to bring new energy,” Palami said. “His leadership when he was a player and as a coach in his clubs will be infectious and will give the players the high that’s needed, rejuvenate them, and get them to prove themselves in the competitions that are about to come.”
