Sven-Goran Eriksson named new Philippines coach
The former England manager will lead the Azkals at their first Asian Cup in January and February.
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has been named as the new head coach of the Philippines national football team.
The 70-year-old Swede has signed a six-month contract and will be in charge of the Azkals' at their first Asian Cup in January and February.
Eriksson takes the job two months after Terry Butcher stepped down from the role. Irishman Scott Cooper, who has been training the Azkals since Butcher stepped down, will be working alongside the Swede.
The Philippines job is Eriksson’s first managerial position since leaving Chinese second division side Shenzhen FC in June 2017, having recently been linked with the Cameroon and Iraq jobs.
Reputation, experience and knowledge
The Philippines' national football team general manager, Dan Palami, said of Eriksson's appointment: "I'm sure he will be a great addition to the team and I'm sure the players will learn a lot from him.
"With his reputation, experience and knowledge, there's no question he can help the team reach the next level."
After enjoying great success as a club manager for teams like Roma, Benfica and Sampdoria, Eriksson managed England between 2001 and 2006, guiding the Three Lions to the World Cup quarter-finals on two occasions.
He has not coached at international level since working with Ivory Coast at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Most recently, he spent six months in China's second division with Shenzhen. He also had stints with Chinese Super League sides Guangzhou R&F and Shanghai SIPG.
The Philippines will face Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste in the group stage of next month's ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup.