Football still in Palami’s heart

Former Philippine national men's football team manager Dan Palami is open to working with Filipino football clubs after his storied stint with the Azkals as team manager.

Palami told DAILY TRIBUNE that as long as the club has a clear vision for its campaign, then he will be willing to help out.

Palami stepped down from his post with the Azkals after more than a decade of service as team manager.

"First, I'll look at the club and see what their vision is because we have to be on the same page on where to lead the team. If we have the same direction to take, I'm happy to help them in whatever capacity," Palami said.

"I'd be happy to lend my services to them but in what capacity, it will have to depend on the vision of the club."

Palami has vast experience in managing a football club after handling Global FC.

Under his watch, Global won three United Football League titles in 2012, 2014 and 2016 while also being a frequent competitor in the AFC Cup with the club reaching as far as the ASEAN Zonal semifinals in 2017 before losing to Singapore's Home United on aggregate, 4-5, throughout two legs.

Palami also said he wants the club that he is working with to not just focus on domestic competitions but also strive to play in continental tournaments in the Asian Football Confederation.

"One of the things that is important to me is that the club is ready to invest to win. Not wastefully but efficiently to be competitive in the league and to set its sights not just on the domestic league but also on the continental league," Palami said.

Now watching the Azkals from the bleachers, Palami said he will be there to cheer on the team as they aim to make it to the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and an outright berth to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

"I might be cheering in the ultras section and if the ultras will welcome me, we'll be there to cheer the team," Palami said.