It is safe to say that the past few weeks have been hectic for legendary Filipino football star Stephan Schrock.
The 34-year-old Fil-German led the Philippine Azkals in their last three joint 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifying matches in Sharjah, UAE, and he is now leading United City in its first foray into the 2021 AFC Champions League.
As one of the best midfielders in Asia, the onus is always on the talisman to perform to the best of his abilities.
Against Chinese side Beijing Guoan last Saturday, he led by example alright and demonstrated why he is so highly rated with a wonder strike to break the deadlock at the 28th minute of the match.
“I told some of my teammates before the game that I’ll score the first goal.
“So when the opportunity opened up for me, I just hit it,” explained Schrock.
While the 5-foot-7 midfielder led by example, his teammates failed to follow suit.
Chance after chance went begging and United City suffered a sucker punch at the 73rd minute thanks to Liang Shaowen’s fantastic free-kick.
More attempts came soon after but none were good enough to hit the back of the net.
“We need to be more result-oriented in the final third,” admitted Schrock.
“It’s understandable though, we haven’t played in eight months.”
While a draw to start off their 2021 AFC Champions League should not be deemed the worst result in the world, the road to qualifying for the knockouts does not get easier from here.
Daegu of South Korea is up next for the reigning Philippines Football League champions and the K League 1 side will be eager to make up for their 2-3 opening-day loss to Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale.
“Obviously, we won’t be the favorites in the next game. Daegu played a very good game against a team that hasn’t lost since November last year,” admitted Schrock.
Only a few players in the world are given the honor of being the captain of his club and country.
For Schrock, leading United City into Asia’s biggest club competition was just another day at the office. He surely would not have it any other way.
“I love taking on challenges. I’m very comfortable leading and taking the blame. You have to be a good server first to be a good leader.”
