Coach Alen Stajcic will be leaving the Philippine national women’s football team following their breakout stint at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Team manager Jeff Cheng said in a statement that the contracts of Stajcic and assistant coach Nahuel Arrarte expired at the conclusion of the Filipinas World Cup campaign.
“They will not be renewed as both coaches have asked to explore other options,” said Cheng.
“We wish Coach Alen and Coach Naz the best of luck in their next football adventure, and we will forever be grateful to them for changing the landscape of Philippine football forever.”
Stajcic expressed his heartfelt thanks for being part of the Filipinas’ journey to the World Cup.
“I would first and foremost like to express my gratitude to Sir Jeff for giving us the opportunity and entrusting us with the keys to the National Team. Throughout nearly 20 months, we went on a journey together as a Team from outsiders in South-East Asia to winning a match at a World Cup,” he said.
Among the highlights of Stajcic’s tenure as coach for the Filipinas are the team’s semifinal appearance in the AFC Asian Cup, a bronze medal finish in the Southeast Asian Games, and the Filipinas’ first goal and first win in the World Cup.
“But without question, the two best experiences of my coaching career thus far were the last two World Cup matches,” said Stajcic.
The Filipinas became the toast of Philippine sports by engaging Switzerland in a competitive game before pulling off a surprise victory over New Zealand.
The Filipinas ended their World Cup campaign with a 6-0 defeat to Norway.
“Beating New Zealand on home soil and scoring our first World Cup goal, and getting our first win were the things that dreams are made of,” said Stajcic.
“And despite the scoreline, the last match against Norway, where 34000 patrons attended, with 30000 singing for the Filipinas, brought shivers down our spine.
It showed that Football does belong in the Philippines, and that legacy is something we are all proud of.”
Stajcic wished the Filipinas well.
“To the players, I can only say, you were courageous, passionate, disciplined, and loyal to the Team, the flag, and the Country. Your sacrifices should be long remembered by all Philippine Sports fans. To give hope and inspiration is the greatest of all achievements,” he said.
“I wish everyone a great future and look forward to following the next chapters in the story.”
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