The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) unexpectedly fired coach Mano Polking after the victory over Singapore in the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup. Replacing the Brazilian strategist is Masatada Ishii (Japan).
Thai football expert Somchai Chuayboonchum said the Thai team is not doing better after firing coach Mano Polking (Photo: FAT).
The head of the Thai football delegation, Nualphan Lamsam (nicknamed Madam Pang), hopes that coach Masatada Ishii can adapt quickly and help the Thai team compete successfully in the 2023 Asian Cup and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
However, Thai football expert Somchai Chuayboonchum believes that the situation in the national team is difficult to change. Sharing with the press, he said: "Changing the coach is like changing horses in the middle of a battle. If changing the coach is more effective, it is good, but on the contrary, if the change is not suitable, the situation will be worse.
The issue of adjusting the coach and players is really important. The success or failure of Thai football depends on how the whole team will work together and how the quality changes. I don't know if the FAT's decision is good or bad.
Masatada Ishii has no experience leading the national team (Photo: Buriram United).
I think if FAT wants to change the coach, they should do it from the beginning, that is, before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. That way, the team will be easier to adjust. But now, we have to rebuild from scratch.
How much will the Thai team improve? I'm afraid the team is not necessarily better than before. Because at this time, we are like a puzzle piece by piece. I want to know how the FAT plans to develop Thai football? This is what everyone needs to know."
In the past, Coach Masatada Ishii has experience working in Thailand and Japan. He helped Kashima Antlers win the Japanese championship and Buriram United win the Thai championship twice. Before being appointed to the "hot seat" of the Thai national team, Coach Masatada Ishii held the position of Technical Director of the Football Association of Thailand.
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