Freddy Gonzalez takes over as interim Filipinas manager

Following Jeff Cheng’s sudden resignation as the Filipinas’ team manager, Freddy Gonzalez has personally announced his temporary appointment for the role with the women’s program as his top priority.

The 46-year-old official is up for another task on top of overseeing both the men’s and women’s squads after becoming the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) director of national teams earlier this year.

“Given the circumstances, that responsibility has fallen to me temporarily. I’m the one that will take over in the interim, and we’re ready for it,” said Gonzalez during a press conference on Monday, July 1, at the Studio 300 in Makati.

“We’ve actually already got new staff specifically for the women’s team. It’s something that we are prepared for. In the interim, that’s how we’re gonna do it. I’m heavily involved in the men’s side. I’m there with them in training, on the field, with them everywhere. It’s the same thing that’s gonna be for the women’s team. Whenever there’s something with the women’s team, I’m gonna be there until we find a replacement or we need one. But for now, you’ve got me,” he elaborated.

In a shock move, Cheng parted ways with the PFF as the Filipinas team manager on June 23 after citing differences between him and the national football governing body.

The Filipino businessman and co-owner of A-League Women’s Western Sydney Wanderers issued a statement relayed to the media saying “the situation is not workable.”

Adding: “Our priorities and goals do not align, and the PWNT organization that we worked hard to develop in the past years is incompatible with current methods.”

During the press conference, without getting down too much on the specifics, PFF president John Gutierrez shared the events leading to Cheng’s departure.

There, Gutierrez, who succeeded long-time PFF chief Nonong Araneta late last year, said that they were supposed to be in discussion about a certain event or activity requested by Cheng, only to be met with his resignation in a quick turn of events.

“In my recollection, there was a request for approval for a certain program, and we responded that we needed to sit down and discuss. And then to our surprise, he resigned,” said Gutierrez.

“I think that’s pretty much all I can say. The Federation, not just me, wanted to discuss the activities, and that’s it,” he added.

Although the PFF did some convincing to make Cheng stay, the latter was firm on his unexpected decision.

Despite the unfortunate turn of events, Gutierrez assured that the women’s program will have enough support to cushion the blow of Cheng’s leaving.

Under Cheng’s tenure which started in 2017, the Filipinas became a feisty competition around Asia and eventually made their historic debut in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup highlighted by a victory over tournament co-host New Zealand.

“I think we’ll recover just fine. Whatever preparation is needed will go on as scheduled. There’s not much I can say about it,” Gutierrez said.

Gonzalez also revealed that they have met up with Cheng in the morning prior to the press conference for the turnover, saying “it’s probably gonna take the whole week to really iron everything out.”

With Cheng’s possible return up in the air, the PFF is looking to narrow its focus to the Filipinas in an effort to build on their sustained excellence in the global stage. — Nikole Javier