After almost two years away from the Philippines national team set-up, Stephan Schröck received a recall from new head coach Scott Cooper for the recent training camp in Bahrain, where he starred in the 1-1 friendly draw against the Bahrainis. 

Since the midfielder last played for his country, the Azkals have qualified for their maiden AFC Asian Cup, and with the continental tournament and the AFF Suzuki Cup now looming large, we caught up with the Ceres Negros man to get his thoughts on the months ahead. 

You recently returned to the Philippines side after a long absence and made your comeback match against Bahrain. How does it feel to be back?

It’s always been a great honour to represent the country. After a two-year long break, I’m very excited to back with the team, and it’s nice to see how familiar everything feels being a member of the Azkals again.

Was there anything you missed specifically from being part of the team?

Just generally seeing the overseas-based guys and getting their new input. We’ve had two long seasons with Ceres, and it can be a little stale, so having that new perspective with the national team, new challenges and new faces. It’s just great to back.

And how was the Bahrain Training camp?

We had a good game against Bahrain and another friendly match against a local side. We had just two training sessions, but I think the team responded very well to the new adjustments, and the new systems already. This training camp was a great foundation we can build on.

What were you impressions of new coach Scott Cooper?

The coach is doing a great job so far, he has a clear vision and clear belief in what we can achieve. He knows what he wants from us and what he expects is not unrealistic. He clearly did his homework too, he showed that he knows every player and we know he attended many domestic league and cup games in the Philippines. I had a very positive impression of him and things are looking bright for us ahead of the Suzuki Cup.

Speaking of the AFF Suzuki Cup, the 2016 tournament was your last time wearing an Azkals shirt and it will be the 2018 edition when you make your competitive return to the national side…

Yes, it’s funny that the Suzuki Cup was my last game! The Suzuki Cup is really the biggest tournament for ASEAN football and we’re working towards going for the title. We were disappointed in our 2016 performance, but I feel we had a really bad preparation. I know this time it will be different, we will learn from our mistakes, we’re working towards the gold.

As an AFC Asian Cup team now, does that give you more confidence going into the AFF Suzuki Cup?

Not exactly – we won’t be arrogant. We will have confidence, but a healthy one. We’re not overlooking any team. We’re aware of what happened two years ago and won’t be complacent. Everything will fall in its place. We will have a great training, preparation. I never go into any competition thinking we’re going to be the best or the worst team.

Indonesia away in Jakarta will be the last game of the Group Stage, it could be the crunch match to decide a qualifier – any thoughts on that?

We’re well aware of how hard it is to play in Jakarta and know all about the fans in Indonesia. But we hope we’ll be qualified for the knockout stage by then! Honestly, I feel first place in the group is possible for us. Our coach worked for many years in Thailand. He knows how to “crack that nut”, he knows what to do against them, and so do we.

The home games for Philippines will be in Bacolod, your home stadium for club side Ceres, how much of a boost can that give the team?

We will (hopefully) have a lot of Ceres players in the Suzuki Cup squad and, of course, for all of us to play in front of our home crowd, wearing the Azkals shirt, it will be very special. The people of Bacolod will be our 12th man, just like they were for us during our AFC Cup campaigns.

Have you been following the Azkals’ progression during your time away from the national side? Has there been any player whose development has impressed you?

Of course, I followed the Azkals as if I was still an active player during my two years away from the team. And the first player who pops up in my mind is Neil Etheridge, he’s a perfect example of an Azkal. He was down and out, and now he’s living he’s dream – playing in the Premier League. And he’s playing really well, too. We’re very proud to have him in the team. I remember when I joined the team six years ago and was told about this kid with a Premier League contract at Fulham, and it’s amazing to see his career grow, just like the Azkals have.