Coach Masatada Ishii returns to Thailand to work

At noon on October 30, BG Pathum United officially announced Masatada Ishii as the new head coach of the team.

Coach Masatada Ishii continues to be associated with Thai football.

The decision was made just after he was fired by the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) on October 21. This move shocked Thai football, especially after 2 wins against Chinese Taipei in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers in October.

The FAT said Ishii’s coaching style no longer fit with their long-term vision. Specific issues included neglecting in-form domestic players, failures at the 2024 ASEAN Cup and 2025 King’s Cup, and a 3-1 loss to Turkmenistan that affected their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup.

The Japanese strategist is known for his extensive experience in the J.League, having led Kashima Antlers and Omiya Ardija. With Kashima, he won the J.League YBC Levain Cup 2015, J.League and Emperor's Cup 2016, and also led the team to the runner-up position in the FIFA Club World Cup 2016.

In 2019, Ishii first came to Thailand, helping Samut Prakan City finish the season in 6th place in Thai League 1. In the 2021/22 season, he moved to Buriram United, winning 2 Thai League 1 championships, 2 FA Cups and 2 Revo Cups in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, affirming his prestige in Thailand's highest league.

In 2023, Ishii took charge of the Thai national team, leading the War Elephants to the round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar and continuing his duties in international campaigns such as the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers, the 2024 AFF Cup, and the 50th and 51st King's Cups.

With his return to the Thai League, Ishii is responsible for bringing BG Pathum United back to the top, using his vast experience to develop the squad and tactics. His presence promises to bring great ambition to the team, while strengthening its position domestically and regionally.

Source: https://znews.vn/hlv-masatada-ishii-tro-lai-thai-lan-lam-viec-post1598392.html