Coach Alen Stajcic part ways with the Philippine National Women's Football Team.
Jeff Chang, manager of the national team, confirmed that Stajcic will not renew his contract, which expired when the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign of the Philippines came to an end.
Aside from the 49-year old Australian mentor, Chang said that Assistant Coach Nahuel Arrarte will also leave the Philippine National Women's Football team.
"They will not be renewed as both coaches have asked to explore other options," Chang said on Tuesday, August 1, in a statement.
"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," he added.
Under the tutelage of Stajcic, the Filipinas managed to advance to the semifinals of the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup, and qualify to the World Cup for the first time.
During the World Cup, with Stajcic in the helm, the Philippines defeated New Zealand, 1-0, but the maiden campaign of the Filipinas came to an end with a 6-0 loss at the hands of Norway.
"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—a match won against the higher-ranked host nation at a World Cup," Chang stressed.
"They will surely be our beloved heroes for decades to come," he added.
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) officials also expressed gratitude to Stajcic for helping develop the Filipinas into serious contenders for the World Cup.
PFF president Mariano Araneta said that Stajcic 'brought women’s football in the Philippines to new heights and hope.'
"Indeed, Coach Alen showed full dedication to hone the Filipinas into a fighting team. He will long be remembered as the coach who trained and dared the team to win at any international competition," Araneta said.
Meanwhile, Atty. Edwin Gastanes, secretary general of PFF, described the journey of Stajcic with the national team as 'successful'.
"He came at a time when opportunities beckoned and he delivered, showing that the Filipinas has the potential to do well in international competitions," Gastanes said.
"We thank Coach Alen for his outstanding services rendered. His legacy as PWNT coach will be in the annals of Philippine football history," the PFF official added.
