Thomas Dooley back at the helm of Philippine Azkals

It didn't take the national men's football team long to look for the replacement of Scott Cooper, who recently stepped down from his post as the Philippine Azkals head coach.

And the nationals didn't have to look that far as well.

In a Facebook post, Thomas Dooley said he is back as the national team head coach four years after he called the shots in various international tournaments from 2014 to 2018.

"Yes, I'm back and can't wait to get started. We will change the direction we have been going for the last 4 years," Dooley said in a Facebook post Wednesday.

"I am honored to coach our beloved team again. Players will be honored to wear this jersey with pride. Not just talking about it, showing it ON THE FIELD."

Dooley will take over Cooper's position at the wake of the national team's podium-less finish at the recently concluded 31st Southeast Asian Games as they are now set to start their crucial build-up for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers from June 8 to 14 in Mongolia.

Dooley also praised the recent success of the national women's football team, which qualified for the FIFA World Cup before winning a historic bronze medal in the biennial meet.

"We will take the success back to where we left off together 4 years ago. I know it's easier said than done. It will be difficult, but we will make it. We will fight, we will play football and we will win again. So let's start together to help the Philippines Men's National Team succeed," he added.

"Women set the bar high and we are all proud of what our Filipinas have achieved."

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF)  has yet to issue a statement on the matter as of posting. — LA, GMA News