Latest news with #ManuelBleda
South China Morning Post
10-06-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong v India: boos ring out for Westwood ahead of crucial Asian Cup clash
Ashley Westwood has doubled down on his belief in Manuel Bleda, picking the newly naturalised striker to the lead the line in his side's Asian Cup qualifier against India on Tuesday. The decision was met with a chorus of boos from the home fans, who called for the Englishman to be sacked after his side's 0-0 draw with Nepal last week. Westwood, though, has turned to the Spanish-born 34-year-old as he looks to break Hong Kong's struggles in front of goal. Also in the starting XI was Raphael Merkies, another player who has qualified through the residency rules that have so riled Westwood's counterpart Manolo Marquez. The India boss is also looking for goals, after his side's first game against Singapore ended goalless. He has recalled Sunil Chhetri to the squad, but the veteran striker only starts on the bench. Much will rely on the form of attacking midfielder Brandon Fernandes and forward Liston Colaco.
South China Morning Post
09-06-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Sunil Chhetri answers India SOS, as coach questions Hong Kong passport rules
India head coach Manolo Marquez has questioned the rules allowing Hong Kong to select a host of naturalised players, a day before the two sides clash in a crucial Asian Cup qualifier. Overseas Citizens of India cardholders have been banned from representing the country since 2008, while players with dual-nationality cannot be chosen. Hong Kong's squad for Tuesday's game at Kai Tak Stadium includes eight players, including controversial striker Manuel Bleda, who qualified after completing seven years' residency. Spaniard Marquez, who is reportedly on the brink of quitting his post, evidently wanted to have his say on the subject, given the question about the large overseas-born contingent came from an All India Football Federation employee. 'If I was Hong Kong coach, maybe I would do similar,' Marquez said. 'In my opinion, the rules should be the same for everyone. I accept dual nationality, if your father or mother are from the country. 'Other countries can select players if they played in their [domestic] competition. For me, this is not very fair.'
South China Morning Post
08-06-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong striker ignoring selection controversy, aiming to make history against India
Manuel Bleda said he was ignoring outside noise over his Hong Kong call-up as the striker sets his sights on 'making history' when the city team welcome India to Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday. Advertisement The Spain-born player made a belated international debut in Thursday's 0-0 draw with Nepal. When he received his passport in February 2024, Bleda was recovering from the anterior cruciate ligament tear he suffered the previous pre-season. A May 2024 comeback proved to be a false start, and he would have to wait until March this year for his genuine return to action. However, Bleda's selection for Hong Kong despite not scoring in eight appearances for his club team Eastern – at the expense of 18-goal BC Rangers striker Lau Chi-lok – stoked the ire of supporters. Advertisement 'For me, it's no problem – I don't decide who comes and who does not; that is the coach's job,' Bleda said.
South China Morning Post
04-06-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong coach hits back at supporters, defends omission of fan favourite striker Lau
Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood has hit back at supporters who have questioned his decision to leave in-form striker Lau Chi-lok out of his latest squad. Advertisement The Englishman launched a staunch defence on Wednesday of his decision to leave the 31-year-old uncapped, and pointed out that none of his predecessors had opted to pick the BC Rangers player either. Lau was not named in the 24-man squad who will take on Nepal at Hong Kong Stadium on Thursday, despite scoring 18 goals in domestic football this season. And with few changes expected for next Tuesday's crunch Asian Cup qualifier against India at Kai Tak Stadium, the 31-year-old's first cap looks as far away as ever. Fans eager to see their hero included were left even angrier by a first call-up for recently naturalised Manuel Bleda, who has played just eight times for Eastern since he returned from a 19-month lay-off in March. Lau Chi-lok (right) scored 18 goals in domestic football this season for BC Rangers. Photo: BC Rangers Westwood said he had 'nothing against [Lau] personally', adding the striker did not have a permanent black mark against his name.
South China Morning Post
02-04-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Spain-born striker targets Hong Kong selection, after overcoming knee injury anguish
Manuel Bleda said he was 'dreaming' of a first call-up for the Hong Kong team after recovering from three operations on a badly damaged knee, and gaining a new contract with Eastern. Advertisement The Spain-born forward obtained his passport in February 2024, when he was still laid up with the torn cruciate ligament he suffered the previous summer. A return at the end of last season proved to be a false start, when Bleda, who was on loan from Lee Man, played as a substitute in Eastern's FA Cup final win over Sham Shui Po, but 'could still feel my knee was not secure'. 'When I got the passport last year, I wanted to play [for Eastern] as a local, but also to help the Hong Kong team,' Bleda said. 'I was unlucky with my injury … I went back to Spain [after the Cup final] and the doctors said my ACL was not working. 'I needed more surgery, and was back to the first day [of rehabilitation].' The following nine months were 'difficult every day', as Bleda recovered with Eastern. He said he would 'see my teammates training, while I was in the gym'. 'It was a very hard time … I needed a strong mind,' he added. After recapturing fitness, Bleda was handed a contract with Eastern, where he spent three years after coming to Hong Kong in 2016.
