The Philippine Azkals have announced Monday that Barae Jrondi has been appointed as the team’s new head coach for the foreseeable future.
The Moroccan native has been stated to have put pen to paper on a “multi-year” deal to lead a program that has seen disappointing results in tournaments such as the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup and the 2022 AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup as well as the final qualifying round of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
“It’s a big honor and responsibility for myself (and) the staff to take this challenge forward,” said Jrondi, who has had different coaching jobs at various levels in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and England.
Jrondi now faces the biggest test of his young career as he is now tasked to be the Azkals’ 12th head coach in just 13 years ever since their popularity grew after the miraculous 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup run in Hanoi, Vietnam.
However, he will have a familiar face around him to help guide him in the different nuances that are needed to be understood.
“Creating a competitive team is the main objective and it requires careful consideration. I am really happy to have the (former) captain Stephan Schröck on the technical staff to get his point of view about players selection to get the right team dynamics,” said Jrondi.
Jrondi and the rest of the Azkals are already in the Middle East for their camp. They shall have two international friendlies against nations within the region in the next few days.
Julian Scharzer has replaced fellow stopper Kevin Hansen in the pool because of the latter’s injury while Sanro Reyes has club commitments and Sebastian Rasmussen is also injured.
