Eriksson, ex-Azkals coach, dies at 76
The Philippine football community was among those that mourned the loss of Sven-Goran Eriksson, who had a brief run calling the shots for the PH national men’s team formerly known as the Azkals.
Eriksson died at the age of 76 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, six years after agreeing to coach the Azkals for the 2018 Asean Football Federation Championship and the 2019 Asian Cup.
Dan Palami, then the manager of the men’s team, later admitted that they were surprised that the Swedish-born Eriksson accepted the job.
“When I got the question from the Big Boss (Palami), I thought ‘Why not? Why not try something different?’” Eriksson said in 2018 when he was introduced as Azkals coach in a press conference at a Taguig City restaurant.
Under Eriksson, the Azkals qualified to the semis of the AFF tourney, then known as Suzuki Cup, going unbeaten in Group B with wins over Singapore and Timor-Leste followed by draws against Thailand, which topped the group, and Indonesia.
But the Philippines was shown the door by eventual champion Vietnam after a 4-2 aggregate defeat in the two-legged semifinals.
Eriksson also mentored the Philippines to its maiden Asian Cup appearance in the United Arab Emirates, losing all three games to South Korea, China and Kyrgyzstan. Stephen Schrock, who recently announced his retirement, scored the only goal for the Azkals during the final game of the tourney.
“We are saddened by the news of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s passing. It will forever be a point of pride that such a legendary head coach led us in our debut in the Asian Cup in 2019. Our deepest condolences to the loved ones he leaves behind. Rest in Peace Sven,” said the men’s team in a statement posted on its social media accounts.
“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do,” Eriksson had said. “Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.”
