Coach Hudson: 'I believe Thailand can attend the World Cup'

Coach Anthony believes Thailand is capable of attending the World Cup. Photo: FA Thailand

“I believe Thailand is capable of participating in the World Cup, but to make that happen, we have to improve many factors, from increasing international competition, developing young players to improving the quality of the domestic coaching staff. If we do these things well, I believe Thai football will be able to reach the biggest stage in the world ,” said coach Anthony Hudson on his debut day as coach of the U23 and Thai national team.

On the afternoon of October 21, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) announced that it had parted ways with Japanese coach Masatada Ishii. Just one day later, British coach Anthony Hudson was officially appointed to the hot seat of the U23 and national teams of this country.

As head coach, Mr. Anthony Hudson expressed his pride in leading the "War Elephants" and affirmed his determination to help Thai football go further on the continental map.

“There are two important matches ahead, we need to win to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. I have experienced this pressure when leading the Bahrain and US teams, so I understand how to prepare. I respect Sri Lanka and Turkmenistan and also believe Thailand is capable of achieving the goal,” coach Anthony Hudson shared.

FAT surprised everyone by firing coach Ishii.

The British strategist emphasized his belief in the young generation of players, while appreciating the role of experienced pillars in leading the juniors: “I have absolute confidence in young players if they have the ability, thinking and spirit of progress. However, experienced players are still very important. They are role models in the way they play, live, eat and adapt to the international competition environment. The combination of youth and experience will help the team become stronger.”

The coach who used to be the technical director of U23 Thailand also said that he wanted to combine domestic and foreign coaches in the coaching staff, both to support the expertise and to create opportunities for Thai coaches to learn. He emphasized: “I respect coach Ishii and what he has done. I will inherit and develop, not change everything. Each coach has his own personality, and I want to convey my ideas gradually so that the team can adapt step by step.”

In the immediate future, coach Anthony Hudson will lead Thailand to face Sri Lanka on November 13 in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Thailand's goal is to participate in the final round in Qatar next summer.

Source: https://znews.vn/hlv-hudson-toi-tin-thai-lan-co-the-du-world-cup-post1596279.html