Thai football legend criticizes U22 coach: This is an idiot.

"Please allow me to speak as a coach, as well as as many others who have never had that opportunity (to coach the Thailand U22 team). This is a stupid coach," Sarayuth criticized on his personal page.

The post by the former Thai national team player became a target for Thai netizens to vent their anger. Many fans supported Sarayuth, continuing to criticize coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul and the entire U22 Thai team. Meanwhile, there were also many opinions that Sarayuth should not have used such harsh language towards his colleague.

Sarayuth then explained, "I'm just a football fan and I don't want anyone to steal the championship from our country."

Sarayuth is a renowned striker in the history of Thai football, having played 49 matches for the national team and scored 31 goals. In his club career, Sarayuth played for 12 different teams, one of which was Pisico Binh Dinh during the 2005-2006 season.

Sarayuth's comments caused a stir in the Thai media. Two former Thai players, Teeratep Winothai and Sanrawat Dechmitr, spoke out against the criticism from influential figures in Thai football. While the two players didn't name names, Sarayuth was certainly implicated.

"Let's encourage each other, why insult? You're a former national team player too. Criticism and analysis are optional, but don't insult others. When I was playing, I didn't want to be insulted either. They are my seniors, please show them respect," Teeratep advised.

Sarawut stated his opinion: "I understand that point. In football, anything can happen. With a score like that for the U22 Thailand team, there will be criticism. But we will improve; don't set limits. Someone wants this person or that person to be the coach, but why don't they themselves learn and compete for that coaching position?"

Thanh Nhàn ended Thailand's ambitions. Photo: Hữu Phạm.

Playing at home, the U22 Thailand team suffered a shock defeat to Vietnam, losing 2-3. It was bitter for the Thais, as they had led 2-0 in the 25th minute and dominated the first half. However, in the second half, U22 Vietnam regained control, scoring two emotional equalizing goals. In extra time, Thanh Nhàn's goal sealed a nightmarish defeat for the home team, repeating their previous ASEAN Cup 2025 nightmare scenario.

After eight years, Thailand remains powerless on its path back to the top of the SEA Games 33. Three times in a row, the king of Southeast Asian football has fallen short at the threshold of glory in men's football at the SEA Games 33. From the Thai media to experts, there has been little encouragement for Coach Thawatchai and his team. Instead, there has been much scrutiny of the reasons for the failure. The Thais have become pessimistic about the future of the national team as the youth teams have repeatedly stumbled.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/danh-thu-thai-lan-chi-trich-hlv-doi-u22-day-la-ke-ngu-ngoc-post1805966.tpo