Philippine national football seniors team head coach Thomas Dooley said yesterday that the Azkals need new players who can play on a higher level as they prepare for their World Cup qualifying matches.

Dooley, who attended the opening ceremony of the NOFA Under 13 Invitational Cup at the Panaad Stadium yesterday, said getting new players is part of their short term plan as the team develops a new system specifically designed for the players.

He said the Azkals are looking forward to their World Cup qualifying match in June and their participation in the AFC Challenge Cup and the Suzuki Cup last year strengthened the team.

The national coach said they will finalize the details of their training camp after the Round 2 draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup – Preliminary Competition and 2019 Asian Cup 2019 Qualifiers on April 14 in Kuala Lumpur.

Dooley also said they will try to have one more friendly game in Manila end of May or early June before the start of the qualifiers.

On Stephen Schrock's status with the Azkals, Dooley said that the Fil-German player has realized his mistakes and apologized to him but this does not ascertain is eventual return to the team.

He said more players are coming in and they play to get new players and develop them “to the level that they could compete with the rest of the world.”*MRG

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