Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Manila: Philippines Team Manager Dan Palami has accepted the decision of Stephan Schrock to 'resign' from the national team but still harbours hope that the Germany-based midfielder might reconsider with the forthcoming AFF Championship on the horizon.
Despite carrying a hamstring injury Schrock (pictured) played a key role in the Philippines' runners-up finish at the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup and is seen as an influential figure in an Azkals squad that has blended overseas, foreign-born Filipinos with an increasing pool of local talent from the burgeoning United Football League.
Philippines media initially reported that Schrock's decision was taken to allow him to concentrate on club duties at German lower league side SpVgg Greuther Furth but the 27-year-old former Eintracht Frankfurt player took to social media to say that it was based on a falling out with head coach Thomas Dooley.
"It is unfortunate that he has made that decision. Stephan is an important player of the team and he will be missed in the Phil Peace Cup and the Suzuki Cup," Philstar.com quoted Palami as saying.
"We are still hoping he reconsiders his decision. In the meantime, we continue on the direction based on the belief that we should put emphasis on building and organizing a strong team and not just assemble a group of good players."