"I don't know what the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) is thinking? I think Masatada Ishii is doing quite well leading the national team. The national team's next match is less than a month away. Why fire him so suddenly?", commented Vittavat Tanyaviboon of Thailand on the FA Thailand page regarding the FAT's puzzling decision.
Accordingly, on October 21, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) officially announced the termination of the contract with the national team's head coach, Masatada Ishii. FAT explained that the termination was the result of a "professional evaluation by the technical department," and also stated that "Coach Ishii's approach is no longer compatible with the long-term development plan of Thai football."
The FAT's decision also shocked the Japanese coach himself, as the 58-year-old had just met with the FAT in the morning to discuss professional matters, only to receive his dismissal notice in the afternoon.
Coach Masatada Ishii (far right) was sacked just hours after a technical meeting with the FAT on October 21 (Photo: FA Thailand).
Coach Ishii was appointed to lead the Thai national team in December 2023, replacing Coach Mano Polking. In nearly two years in charge, he led the "War Elephants" in a total of 30 matches, winning 16, drawing 6, and losing 8, achieving a win rate of 53%. Under Masatada Ishii, Thailand scored 58 goals and conceded 34.
Many Thai fans were surprised by the FAT's decision to sack the Japanese coach.
"Masatada Ishii has made the national team stronger, developed tactical skills for more players, and brought in many quality players. These include Seksarn Ratri, Irfan Dorola, Jonathan Thanawat, Thitathorn, Krishta, Kakna, Tharongwut, Prometh, Krakat, Anant, Akphong, Ben Davis, James Barenford, and Patrick Guttafson."
"He was very diligent in watching matches in the Thai League to discover talent. He had a systematic approach to developing the national team, yet he was ultimately fired. I've lost faith in the FAT. I'm very disappointed with this dismissal decision," commented user Just The Wheel PiK Are.
"He just helped the Thai national team win two consecutive matches in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Taiwan. Yet he was suddenly fired. Why not give him a chance until his contract expires, or at least until the end of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers? The FAT's actions seem very unprofessional," commented user Naiwinit Mai.
"He helped the national team win 16 out of 30 matches? How many more wins does FAT want to be satisfied? Is it 20, 25, or 30? What will happen if the Thai national team loses the next two matches in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers? Who will be held responsible?" user PTong CJpapa emphasized.
"This decision is crazy. Where can you find a dedicated foreign coach like him? I am very disappointed with FAT's decision," criticized user Tutor Khor.
"I am very sad and regretful. I really liked Masatada Ishii leading the Thai national team. He helped me get back to watching Thai football after the Kiatisak era. I don't support the FAT's decision to sack Ishii at all," concluded the One Lumpinee FC account.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/phan-ung-cua-cdv-thai-lan-khi-fat-bat-ngo-sa-thai-hlv-masatada-ishii-20251021221854066.htm
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