My last conversation with the former Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Director of National Senior Teams and Philippine National Men’s Football Team (PNMFT) manager Freddy Gonzalez was mostly about the game between the Philippines and Tajikistan exactly 10 days ago at the New Clark Stadium in Tarlac.
Gonzalez expressed his dismay about the game that he said was 100% winnable. But due to some lapses and losing focus in a matter of seconds, we ended up salvaging a point and instead of having a cushion prior to our away games, the national team is instead in yet another must-win-all-remaining-games predicament in Group A fixtures of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
He also mentioned the poor officiating of the match that resulted in 15 yellow cards, eight for the home team and seven for the visitors.
“They really don’t like us. I’ve experienced referees from big ASEAN countries, Japan and Australia, Iran, Korea and more and they’re all horrible. They make unfair calls and always give the opponent an advantage. How does a referee call a 50/50 penalty, which clearly wasn’t, on the home team?” he lamented.
While our exchanges started on the negative aspects of the game, Gonzalez’s tone changed when The Designated Kit Man asked what’s next for the PNMFT.
“There are new players coming in. I have a meeting in the Senate next week (supposedly this week) to discuss funding, players’ passports and other concerns,” he shared.
He also gave an update on several high-profile prospects for the national team.
“I will be pushing to fast track the (papers of ) Markanich brothers, Wolff brothers, Erlandson, Katsaros and more. I’m also going to try to convince Seb (Rasmussen) to play here in the Philippines Football League with Kaya because he would be a great addition for us,” he said.
Lost in our conversation was what happened after the game, specifically on the pitch, while the players were walking towards the showers and when the team was inside the dugout.
Last Monday, reports exploded that Gonzalez had resigned from his posts from the PFF and PNMFT team. While in utter disbelief, The Designated Kit Man reached out immediately to Gonzalez and the normally-accessible and very accommodating person that I’ve known for the longest time became elusive and silent.
But not several sources within the PFF and a small circle of football friends that always share updates every now and then on our favorite “pulutan.”
Five of them, in fact, confirmed that Gonzalez had indeed packed his bags and left the federation. The PFF, as expected, remained mum on the issue. Late Tuesday night, it finally broke its silence and confirmed that Gonzalez has indeed ended his tenure with the team and the federation through a statement.
Gonzalez was quoted expressing his gratitude for the opportunity. Gonzalez expressed difficulty in making the decision.
“Now is the time for me to focus on other pursuits and opportunities, both personal and professional,” Gonzalez said.
Calling it an absolute privilege, Gonzalez likewise thanked his players for the sacrifices and commitment that they have made just to play for the national team.
Unsurprisingly, Mikkel Paris and PNMFT media officer Jing Jamlang also left the team.
Speculations are rife on what is the real reason why Gonzalez has decided to leave PFF. Some say what happened after the game that fateful Monday night was the last straw that literally “broke” Gonzalez. Some even claim that there was a shouting match between Gonzalez and John Gutierrez, PFF president. There was also a reported incident inside the dugout.
I could only speculate. But I would rather think that these two incidents were just too petty for Gonzalez to make him quit. But on the other hand, what if, just what if, if these two incidents were just two of many issues that might have impacted Gonzalez’s relationship with the PFF leadership? Gonzalez has shared several concerns with me throughout his tenure in the PFF.
But more than that, Gonzalez was the latest in the long list of people, who opted to leave the federation. And a source told The Designated Kit Man that another official is also on the verge of following Gonzalez on the sidelines. Which again is no longer surprising.
Whatever the reason, one thing is for sure. Philippine football is the biggest loser here. And it would take a lot, even a miracle, for it to survive yet another departure of a key official.
Amid this development, the PFF president remains scarce. So we reached out to Gelix Mercader, the general secretary of PFF on the real reasons why Gonzalez quit.
As expected, he downplayed the incident.
“President John will have a joint address with Fred soon pero if need mo malaman, please feel free to also ask Fred, wala namang issue sa kanila ni John,” Mercader texted back.
But when asked of his reaction to the clamor for his boss to resign from the PFF, Mercader has not responded until now. Even the pambansang turista, who many have blamed for the unending sad developments plaguing Philippine football, is also quiet on the issue.
Until last night, Gonzalez had remained silent. And that alone says a lot.
We, however, should never forget those who were present when these upheavals and tumultuous occasions happened.
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat
