Just when things started to look up for the Philippine Men’s National Football Team, a sudden turn of events threatened to derail its momentum in the race to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Albert Capellas, the Spanish coach who recently guided the squad to the semi-finals of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup, has stepped down from his role due to personal reasons, according to an announcement from the Philippine Football Federation late Saturday evening.
“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,” said Capellas.
“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,” he expressed.
“With gratitude.”
Capellas’ exit marks yet another short-lived tenure in the revolving door of national team coaches. Before him, Belgian strategist Tom Saintfiet held the reins for just seven months, while Moroccan coach Barae Jrondi led the team in only two friendlies before disappearing from the national program altogether.
Now, the task of leading the team forward falls to Carles Cuadrat, who served as Capellas’ assistant. The 56-year-old Spaniard from Barcelona brings with him a wealth of experience, including a title-winning stint as a head coach in India and various assistant roles throughout his career.
Cuadrat will be under immediate pressure to build on the team’s recent 4-1 victory over the Maldives as they prepare to face Tajikistan this Wednesday at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in their ongoing Asian Cup qualification campaign.
“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,” said Men’s Team Manager and Director of Senior National Football Teams, Freddy Gonzalez.
“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.”
