Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 1) — The Filipinas are parting ways with their head coach Alen Stajcic and assistant coach Nahuel Arrarte after their historic run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Philippine Football Federation confirmed the news on Tuesday, adding that the contracts of Stajcic and Arrarte have expired at the conclusion of the Philippine women’s football team’s World Cup campaign.
The federation also said their contracts will not be renewed as they both “asked to explore other options.”
Stajcic and the Filipinas brought the Philippines its first medal since 1985 in the SEA Games and its first-ever victory in the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship.
Stajcic looked back at his run.
“Without question, the two best experiences of my coaching career thus far were the last two World Cup matches,” he said.
“Beating New Zealand on home soil and scoring our first World Cup goal and getting our first win was the things that dreams are made of,” he added.
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He also wrote heartfelt words for the national athletes, who were deemed underdogs but shone through by scoring their first goal and won a match in the World Cup.
“I can only say, you were courageous, passionate, disciplined and loyal to the Team, the Flag and the Country,” he said. “Your sacrifices should be long remembered by all Philippine Sports fans. To give hope and inspiration is the greatest of all achievements.”
Filipinas team manager Jeff Cheng thanked Stajcic and Arrarte for their significant contributions.
“They have 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,” he said.
“They will surely be our beloved heroes for decades to come,” Cheng also said.
