The Philippine Football Federation welcomes two additions in the coaching staff for the Senior Men’s Team which includes former assistant coach Carles Cuadrat, as the newest Head Coach of the squad.
Carles Cuadrat: Former Assistant Coach, Now Takes Full Control
Last May 31 2025, it was announced that Albert Capellas, who spent only 8 months with the Senior Men’s Team, left his role as Head Coach.
After a sudden departure, Capellas’ assistant coach, Carles Cuadrat, took the role of the interim head coach for the Philippine Men’s National Football Team in their game against Tajikistan for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers last June 10. The match ended in a draw, 2-2.
At 1:00 AM on July 24, 2025, the Philippine Football Federation officially announced the appointment of Cuadrat as head coach through their website and Facebook page.
“We are pleased to welcome Coach Carles Cuadrat to lead our Senior Men’s National Team. His deep tactical understanding, coupled with a history of building winning teams and developing players, perfectly aligns with our vision for the future. We saw a glimpse of his immediate impact during the Tajikistan match, demonstrating his ability to inspire and adapt under pressure. We are confident that under his guidance, our national team will achieve new milestones and ignite even greater passion for football across the country,” stated PFF President John Gutierrez.
Credits: Philippine Men’s Football Team via Facebook
PFF is also appointing Miguel “Mico” Gutierrez, as Manager of the Philippine Men’s National Team.
Credits: Philippine Men’s Football Team via Facebook
“We thank Mico for taking on the important role of managing the Philippine Men’s National Team. PFF is confident that with his experience and expertise in football and business management, he will be able to bring our Men’s Team towards the direction we’ve set out to do from the very beginning– which is to build on the gains of the team and keep on advancing in the international stage.” said PFF President Gutierrez.
Prolific Resume for the Newest Head Coach and Team Manager
These two new key additions to the Men’s team aren’t just some lousy inclusions, as both Carles Cuadrat and Mico Gutierrez have done wonders with their former teams.
Coach Cuadrat brings with him an impressive coaching résumé marked by international experience and a deep understanding of player development. A UEFA Pro License holder certified by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), he is best known for his successful stint with Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League from 2018 to 2021, where he led the club to a historic league championship in 2019 and a Super Cup title in 2018. Cuadrat is widely respected for his tactical insight and development-focused approach, making him a strong asset for Philippine football.
Before joining the Philippines, Cuadrat held various roles with elite clubs and national teams around the world. He worked as a physical trainer and assistant coach with FC Barcelona, Galatasaray, and the Saudi Arabia national team, among others. His coaching journey also included stops with the national team of El Salvador, and clubs like Aris Limassol and FC Midtjylland.
As a former player, Cuadrat was a product of La Masia, FC Barcelona’s famed youth academy, and represented Spain at the youth level, helping his teams secure top finishes in major European competitions.
Meanwhile for Mico Gutierrez, he currently serves as NCRFA President, Gutierrez has played a key role in youth development by continuing the PFF Center of Excellence Program in NCR for players born between 2009 and 2014 and establishing the year-round NCRFA Youth League. He also recently managed the champion U16 squad at the Lion City Cup. A former team captain of the UP Men’s Football Team, Gutierrez brings valuable experience, leadership, and a strong ability to mobilize support and resources for the national team’s future endeavors.
Ultimately, the PFF is confident that Coach Cuadrat’s leadership will significantly contribute to the development and success of the national team on the international stage. His appointment is a testament to the federation’s dedication to providing the best possible coaching expertise for its athletes.
Goal Remains The Same: 2027 AFC Asian Cup
Despite all of these sudden changes, the goal remains the same for the Philippines as they are targeting qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and currently tops its group with four points.
The team’s next challenge will be the back-to-back matches against Timor Leste on October 9 and 14.
