MANILA – Alen Stajcic along with his assistant coach Nahuel Arrarte are not renewing their contracts with the Philippine Women’s National Football Team following their exit in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
According to Filipinas team manager Jeff Cheng, Stajcic and Arrarte have both asked to explore other options following the expiration of their contracts at the end of the World Cup.
“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,” Cheng said.
“They have they shown us what is possible with proper guidance, dedication and hard work, and their efforts have led to the greatest achievement in Philippine football thus far. They will surely be our beloved heroes for decades to come,” he added.
Under the guidance of Stajcic, the Filipinas reached the semifinals of AFC Asian Cup, captured a bronze medal in Southeast Asian Games and captured a championship in the Asian Football Federation tournament in Manila.
The Filipinas, which earned a record-high world ranking under Stajcic, also earned their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification and won a game against New Zealand, courtesy of the historic conversion of star Sarina Bolden.
Stajcic, for his part, also expressed his gratitude to Cheng and the Philippine Football Federation for the experience of handling and steering Filipinas to their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup stint.
“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,” Stajcic said.
“Throughout nearly 20 months we went on a journey together as a Team from outsiders in SEA to winning a match at a World Cup,” he added. “It showed that football does belong in the Philippines, and that legacy is something we are all proud of.”
Stajcic also thanked all the players he handled in the Filipinas for being “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. I wish everyone a great future and look forward to following the next chapters in the story,” he said./PN
