Criticized for calling up many unknown players to the national team, Thailand coach responds harshly

TPO - Coach Masatada Ishii has reacted strongly to criticism about the "strange list" he called up for two matches in June, against India and Turkmenistan respectively.

The reason why coach Ishii was openly dissatisfied with the Thai media was because recently, he has been questioned about the list of players called up for this June. In addition to a few unavoidable absences such as Supachok, Suphanat and Gusvtasson due to injuries, Mickelson and Weerathep due to personal reasons, he has removed a series of familiar faces from the team including Sarach Yooyen, Kritsada Kaman or Bordin Phala...

Instead, the Japanese coach gave opportunities to many new faces, with 9 players having only 4 appearances for the national team at most. This is not exactly Ishii's "rejuvenation" plan because he still called up veterans like Elias Dolah, Saranon Anuin or Chanathip Songkrasin. A series of confusing decisions have made this coach suspicious.

At a press conference to prepare for the friendly match with India tomorrow (June 4), coach Masatada Ishii explained: "The match with India will be considered a preparation before we meet Turkmenistan (in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers). It is normal to call up new players to play alongside players who have been on the team for a long time. I hope the team will have good results."

Supachok absent from national team due to injury

Ishii is under a lot of pressure because Thailand have lost to India in their last two meetings. At that time, they had a strong squad. While this time, with a squad considered weaker, the War Elephants' chances of winning against India will be heavily affected.

But the coach declared: "We do not focus on the opponent. Instead, Thailand will focus more on our tactics. Regarding the positions on the field, if the media thinks that the players called up are not the best choice, I have a different view from them.

When I play against a team that is ranked lower in the world , I want to win. The last two matches we lost to India, I was not the coach of the team. And the players are different. So I don't care.

I've spoken a lot about the call-up, it's something I've always been aware of. Nobody likes to announce a list. I accept criticism and we have the objective of building a team that is successful."

Dang Lai

Source: https://tienphong.vn/bi-chi-trich-vi-goi-nhieu-cau-thu-vo-danh-len-tuyen-hlv-tuyen-thai-lan-dap-tra-gay-gat-post1747958.tpo