Coach Polking lost his job because Thailand lost to China

According to team leader Nualphan Lamsam, coach Mano Polking was once trusted, but the defeat against China forced her and the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) to change, with the goal of bringing Thailand to the World Cup.

Coach Polking was supposed to be fired in September when Thailand lost the King's Cup to Iraq. At that time, coach Masatada Ishii was ready to replace him, but in the end, Ms. Nualphan and the Thai players still trusted Coach Polking. However, the 1-2 loss to China in the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup changed the team's and FAT's views on Mr. Polking.

"The loss to China greatly affected the chance of advancing to the third qualifying round," Ms. Nualphan wrote on her personal Facebook page yesterday, November 22. "I think it's time for a change, so that Thailand can prepare better when facing the top teams in Asia."

Coach Mano Polking cried after Thailand beat Singapore 3-1 in the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup on November 21. Photo: FAT

Ms. Nualphan reported to FAT President Somyot Poompanmoung and spoke privately with coach Mano Polking. Therefore, the Brazilian coach knew he would lose his job before helping Thailand beat Singapore 3-1 in the second match on November 21.

Thailand is currently second in Group C with three points, equal to China but with a better goal difference (+1 compared to -2), South Korea leads with six points and Singapore is last with no points. Thailand has two more matches against South Korea, one against China away and one against Singapore at home.

Ms. Nualphan denied the rumors that she abused her power, affirming that she never interfered in the work of the head coach. In her role as head of the team, she only tried to provide the best names on the list of desired coaches, besides, creating favorable conditions for the team's living and equipment.

Coach Mano Polking and Madam Pang celebrate winning the AFF Cup 2022. Photo: FAT

Regarding the appointment of Mr. Masatada Ishii, Madam Pang emphasized that the Japanese coach has proven his ability in J-League 1 and Thai League 1 with four titles with Kashima Antlers and six titles with Buriram United. Besides, Japanese football has always been highly appreciated in Thailand, although Akira Nishino - the first Japanese coach - has not been successful with the Thai national team and U23.

"Ishii is ready to work immediately," Pang said. "He is also the most knowledgeable, familiar and has the most information about the Thai players."

Thailand's Siam Sport newspaper warned that coach Masatada Ishii faces many difficulties when taking office at this time. The 56-year-old coach's first match is a friendly against Japan on January 1, 2024, then he has to overcome the group stage of the 2023 Asian Cup and the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.

Mid-Autumn Festival

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