In the second round last season, University of the Philippines made its run toward the UAAP Men’s Football Final Four after missing the bus the previous year.
Five wins out of the possible six propelled the Fighting Maroons back into the postseason. And the squad took it from there, en route to its 19th UAAP championship.
Facing the same situation this year and having that opportunity to retain the crown in Diliman, captain Macky Tobias encourages the current squad to set the bar higher.
“Siyempre, tinapos namin ‘yung first round na with confidence. Gusto rin namin na coming into the second round na ‘yung first game namin, magse-set kami ng standard na strong start rin. Para ‘yung next namin na gagawin is ‘yung pagiging consistent na sa ginagawa namin,” said the Season 86 Best Midfielder.
A rousing 4-1 win against the University of the East Red Warriors last Sunday was the benchmark the defending champions set for themselves.
Still, Tobias admitted that they needed a talk-through from head coach Popoy Clarino at the break for them to wake up in the second period.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Siguro natakot lang kami ng kaunti. Siguro as sa nakita ko sa ibang teammates ko. And sinabi ni coach sa‘min coming into the second half dahil ‘yung UE aggressive sila, we need to play smart. We need to outsmart them,” the UP captain shared.
With all teams vying hard for a spot in the Final Four this season, the season hosts and titleholders, Fighting Maroons, are guided by its mantra of setting higher standards.
“Tiwala lang kami sa system and tiwala lang kami sa coaches, and, of course, tiwala lang rin sa sarili naming abilidad individually and tiwala rin sa isa’t isa,” Tobias shared.
“Be humble lang. Paa sa lupa. Every training lang, magkakamali pero, magiging hungry. Magiging gutom na mag-improve and matuto para maging consistent.”
UP will be going up against the still-undefeated Ateneo De Manila University side on Sunday.
And for the graduating senior, all it takes is consistency and the belief that if there is a team that can pull off a win against the Blue Eagles, it is them – the reigning champions and the home side.
“Dahil nga UP kami, wala kaming takot and lumalaban kami. Laban lang, ‘yun lang,” the Season 81 High School Boys’ MVP ended.
