Aguilas-UMak FC taps German coach

The new-look Aguilas-UMak FC tapped the services of head coach Jörg Steinebrunner for the upcoming Philippines Football League (PFL) season.

Steinebrunner, who has coached in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia, will be on the sidelines for Aguilas as he replaces former mentor Abel Ruzgal, who is now based in the United States.

Aguilas president Mike Atayde said the 53-year-old German mentor’s experience will help them in their campaign as they parade an almost new squad.

Only Miggy Clarino, Kurt Talaroc and Jhomary Sapal were the remaining players from last year’s Aguilas team that finished in sixth place with a 7-4-7 win-draw-loss record.

“Coach Jorg has been with us for at least four weeks. I have seen the difference here compared to our previous coaching staff and what I like about it is that he establishes discipline,” Atayde said in a press conference Friday.

“They also make sure that there is respect. There are no biases or discrimination, which is important to the team.”

Steinebrunner captured the 2007 Singapore League Cup and a silver medal in the 2008 Singapore with Woodlands Wellington.

His recent coaching stint was with Life FC in the Cambodian Premier League last year they finished ninth with a 2-4-14 record.

The latest Aguilas side will be led by former One Taguig FC midfielder Arnel Amita alongside goalkeeper Enrico Mangaoang from De La Salle University, Ikumi Hiruta of SV Werder Bremen III and Muhammad Mishbah, Reycredo Bukit, Made Kaicen of Nusantara United FC.

“I mean, we have to give a lot of credit to the boys, because the first four weeks they have put in a lot of effort. It’s getting to know my style of coaching, my philosophy, my way of playing (0:33) football,” Steinebrunner said, who instills a possession-based system to Aguilas.

“Having the ball is one thing, but what are you going to do with it? You see, for me, yes, maybe the keyword is possession football, but if I can go and create a chance in three, four passes, then so be it, isn’t it? So, for me, possession football is based on what space we are available, what space we create.”

The Aguilas are set to begin their PFL campaign on 23 August.