Latest news with #PhilippineFootballFederation
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Freddy Gonzalez steps down as director of Philippines Football Federation
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) confirmed on Wednesday that Freddy Gonzalez has stepped down as the Senior National Teams Director and Men's National Team Manager. Despite a brief stint, Gonzalez played an important role in taking the Philippines men's and women's teams to new heights. 'It has been one of the biggest honours of my life to be a part of this team, and I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity,' Gonzalez said in a statement after his exit. ALSO READ: Barcelona signs goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol 'This was a very difficult decision to make—one that required much introspection. Now is the time for me to focus on other pursuits and opportunities, both personal and professional,' he added. Gonzalez acknowledged the players for their dedication, which helped change the working culture of the national team. 'They have made a real difference in Philippine football in a short period,' he said. 'I'll be cheering for them from the sidelines and can't wait to see them become a force in Asia.' What did Philippines football achieve under Gonzalez's guidance? Under Gonzalez's tutelage, the Philippines men's national team had a good run in the ASEAN championship and had a promising start to its Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign. 'We are grateful for Freddy's dedication and his work to advance our national team programs. His impact on the federation and Philippine football is deeply appreciated,' said PFF president John Gutierrez. Gutierrez said that now the priority would be to continue the momentum and build on what Gonzalez has done for the PFF. 'We remain fully committed to the framework Freddy put in place. With continued support from stakeholders, we'll ensure that our national team programs are well-supported and positioned for further growth,' he said. Gonzales was appointed by the PFF in January 2024 and was initially asked to manage the Philippine men's national football team. Along with Gonzalez, assistant team manager Mikkel Paris is also stepping down. Related Topics Philippines
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
Freddy Gonzalez steps down from leadership role in PFF
Freddy Gonzalez, the senior national teams director and men's national team manager of the Philippine Football Federation, has stepped down from his leadership role in the organization. The PFF announced the development on Tuesday. In a statement, Gonzalez said he will focus on other personal and professional opportunities. "It has been one of the biggest honors of my life to be a part of this team and I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity. This was a very difficult decision to make and one that required much reflection and introspection,' said Gonzalez. Gonzalez, a former national team player, joined PFF as its national teams director in January 2024. 'I want to thank all of the players for their sacrifices and commitment to the team. They all have changed the culture of the National Team. In such a short time, they have made a difference in Philippine football, for the better. I am looking forward to seeing them become a force in Asia, and will be rooting for them from the sidelines. It was an absolute privilege!' In Gonzalez' stint, the men's team saw a historic run in the 2024 ASEAN Championship where it reached the semifinals for the first time since 2018, and defeated Thailand for the first time in 52 years. PFF president John Gutierrez thanked Gonzalez for his service and vowed to continue the latter's framework for the national team. 'The PFF remains fully committed to building upon the foundations laid for Philippine football. We assure the players that we will continue Fred's framework for the national team, diligently ensuring our programs are well-supported and thriving. We are dedicated to providing every available resource, and with the support of football stakeholders, we look forward to continued progress and success for our national teams in the months and years ahead," said Gutierrez. Assistant manager Mikkel Paris will also be leaving his role as assistant manager. Gonzalez' departure from the team came just days after the Philippines settled for a draw against Tajikistan in the AFC Asian Cup Qualification, and weeks after former coach Albert Capellas parted ways with the team. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
31-05-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
Albert Capellas parts ways with PMNFT, Carles Caudrat takes over
Philippine Men's National Football Team head coach Albert Capellas has parted ways with the squad and will be replaced by recently appointed assistant coach Carles Caudrat. The Philippine Football Federation announced the development late Saturday, just less than two weeks before the Philippines' match against Tajikistain in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on June 10. "My wonderful journey as head coach of the Philippine National Football Federation has come to an end and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been part of it, especially the players and all the staff involved, the Director of National Teams Freddy Gonzalez, and the President John Gutierrez," Capellas, who was appointed as head coach in September 2024, said in a statement. 'Together, we have enjoyed an inspiring journey and have proven that Filipino football has a promising generation of young players with the potential to bring great pride and success to the country. I am sincerely grateful for the time we have shared and for the support and kindness I've received from the entire Filipino football community. I will always carry these memories with me and wish the Federation and the team continued growth and success in the years to come. With gratitude, Albert Capellas.' According to Gonzalez, Capellas stepped down due to personal reasons. 'Personal reasons have led to Albert's departure. Out of great respect for him, we will not elaborate. We are grateful for his service, and wish him well. I continue to consider him a friend,' Gonzalez said. 'As with all things in life, change happens and one must always be prepared to handle unexpected turns. We move on, and keep pushing forward. Albert left us with a blueprint to follow and we thank him for bringing Carles on board, enabling him to be the interim head coach and provide continuity for what Albert has started. Now is the time to focus on the match with Tajikistan and push to be top of the group and focus on qualifying for the Asian Cup.' With Capellas at the helm, the Philippine men's team reached the semis of the ASEAN Championships last December, which along the way included a historic win against Thailand in five decades. Cuadrat, meanwhile, has worked with the national teams of Saudi Arabia and El Salvador, and top European clubs Barcelona Youth, Galatasaray and Midtjylland. Recently, he steered East Bengal FC to their first trophy in over a decade. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
