PFF appoints Carles Cuadrat as national team head coach

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has appointed Spanish coach Carles Cuadrat as the new head coach of the Philippine Senior Men’s National Team, signaling a renewed push to elevate the country’s standing in international football.

PFF President John Gutierrez emphasized the significance of the appointment, saying, “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,” Gutierrez added. “We are confident that under his guidance, our national team will achieve new milestones and ignite even greater passion for football across the country.”

Cuadrat, a UEFA Pro Coach accredited by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, brings more than two decades of global coaching experience, spanning Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

He previously served as head coach of Bengaluru FC in India’s Super League from 2018 to 2021, guiding the team to the 2019 ISL Championship and the 2018 Indian Super Cup.

Under his leadership, Bengaluru FC became one of the ISL’s most consistent teams, qualifying for multiple continental tournaments and earning a reputation for disciplined and dynamic football.

Cuadrat’s recent success with East Bengal FC—winning the 2024 Indian Super Cup—further reinforced his credentials as a tactician with an eye for development and resilience.

He is no stranger to Philippine football, having joined the national team’s coaching staff earlier this year and stepping up as interim head coach during the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against Tajikistan on June 10, where he led the team to a vital 2-2 draw.

Cuadrat’s expansive résumé includes coaching stints with FC Barcelona, Galatasaray SK, and the Saudi Arabia National Team, where he served as a physical coach. He has also worked with the national teams of El Salvador and Cyprus and Danish side FC Midtjylland.

As a player, Cuadrat emerged from the famed La Masia youth system of FC Barcelona, representing Spain at the U16 and U18 levels, and winning back-to-back Spanish U19 Cups in 1986 and 1987.

Alongside Cuadrat’s appointment, PFF also named Miguel “Mico” Gutierrez as the new manager of the Philippine Men’s National Team.

Gutierrez, a former University of the Philippines team captain, currently serves as President of the NCR Football Association and has been instrumental in grassroots development through the NCRFA Youth League and the PFF Center of Excellence Program.

He also managed the Philippine U16 team that won the Lion City Cup, demonstrating his capacity to lead and rally support for national football development.

“We thank Mico for taking on the important role of managing the Philippine Men’s National Team,” said Gutierrez. “With his experience in both 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.”

The PFF said both appointments are part of a broader strategy to raise the bar for Philippine football by leveraging international experience, tactical innovation, and strong administrative leadership.