PETALING JAYA: The Philippines will bank on Patrick Reichelt (pic) and Jesper Nyholm to get some extra insights on the Malaysian team when both clash in the Merdeka Tournament at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
Both Patrick and Jesper have been playing in the Super League, representing Kuala Lumpur and Perak respectively, and know the style of the local players.
The 36-year-old winger Patrick and centreback Jesper have been selected by Azkals coach Norman Fegidero to beef up his team.
Patrick believes he has the advantage.
“Seeing these Malaysian players every week does help prepare and know our opponents better. We will try to help the coaching staff with as much information as we can,” said Patrick.
“Malaysia are always a force to be reckoned with here in South-East Asia and they have a strong core group of players playing together for quite some time now.
“We are aware of their transition phase under a new coach (Pau Marti Vicente) but they will still be dangerous.
“Like Malaysia, we are also going through a huge transition with changes in the coaching set up.
“It just happened a few days ago and lots of new young and exciting players have come in.
“We have had one training and a few top players had dropped out but you can never write off the Philippines.
“We will give our best given the circumstances and hopefully surprise our opponents.”
Patrick is the most experienced player in the squad as has won 85 caps with the national team.
He is known for his industry on the flanks and in recent years, he has been deployed as a striker in the national team.
“Playing for the Philippines is and always will be my greatest achievement in my career. I’m blessed to be part of this family for the past 12 years. I am now here to guide and help the new generation of players.”
This time around, he would be tasked to groom some of the young attackers like Dylan Demuynck (Zulte Waregam, Belgium), Bjorn Martin Kristensen (Aalesunds, Norway), and Alex Monis (New England Revolution, the United States).
“This tournament will also be part of our preparation for the upcoming Mitsubishi Cup in December. I wish for the Philippines to be one of the main contenders in this region.”
