Alen Stajcic parts way with Filipinas, will 'explore other options'

The architect behind the meteoric rise of the Philippines in the international football scene, Alen Stajcic, will no longer coach the Filipinas, team manager Jeff Cheng said Tuesday, August 1.

In a statement posted on the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) website, Cheng told PFF will not renew Stajcic and assistant coach Nahuel Arrarte's contracts that expired after the first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup appearance of the Filipinas, stating both coaches decided to explore other options.

"The contracts of Coach Alen Stajcic and Assistant Coach Nahuel Arrarte expired at the conclusion of the PWNFT's World Cup campaign. They will not be renewed as both coaches have asked to explore other options." the statement read.

This came days after the PWNFT's elimination from the global showpiece following a six-nil loss to Norway.

Cheng expressed his gratitude to Stajcic and Arrarte who are instrumental to the Philippines' success.

"They have they 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," Cheng told. "They will surely be our beloved heroes for decades to come."

"To Coach Alen and Coach Naz, it was an honor working with you. Win, lose or draw, the entirety of our experience with you will be nothing but a happy memory for all of us. We will never forget you and we hope that you will never forget us too," he added.

In March 2022, PFF renewed the Stajcic's contract as part of its World Cup preparation, with the deal expiring after the quadrennial meet.

PFF hired Stajcic in 2021, and his mentorship made the then-called Malditas' next 18 months historic.

The former Matildas mentor helped the Philippines qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup as the nationals reached the semifinals of the 2022 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup.

Stajcic's guidance also led to the bronze medal win of the Filipinas in the pandemic-delayed 2021 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, the country's first podium finish after nearly four decades.

In July 2022, the Filipina booters lifted their first-ever ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women's Championship.

Last April 2023, the Philippines secured its spot in the second round of the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).

Moreover, the Filipinas achieved its highest FIFA ranking at 46th in June 2023.

After the World Cup, the Philippines now pay attention to the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September and Paris 2024 Olympics AFC Qualifiers in October.