Azkals Coach Weiss softens stand on De Jong - malaya

source: Bong Pedralvez

Softening his stand against a prodigal Azkal, national coach Hans Michael Weiss said yesterday he is willing to take back mercurial Filipino-Dutch midfielder Jason de Jong into the team—with certain conditions.

"De Jong is like a stray dog now and he needs encouragement, which is why I am willing to take him back into the family," said Weiss after learning the player was sacked by Indonesian ballclub Persiba Balikpapan for breach of contract and lack of discipline.

De Jong’s relationship with Weiss soured after he failed to play for the nationals last March, first in the second leg of their Asian Challenge Cup qualifiers against Mongolia in Ulan Bator and in the event’s group tournament in Rangoon, Myanmar.

He claimed his club commitments had kept him from playing for the Philippines in both competitions.

The German mentor also cited Dejong’s uncooperative attitude as a major reason why he had not been keen on tapping him again once he skipped the squad’s last two assignments.

Weiss disclosed the 21-year-old defensive specialist had been phoning national squad media officer Richard Pacana from overseas several times and expressed his interest of rejoining the team.