Kiatisak to coach senior side without signing formal deal
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Thailand's SEA Games-winning coach Kiatisak "Zico" Senamuang has agreed to coach the senior side despite not signing a contract with the Football Association of Thailand.
Having previously stated that he would accept the post only if the Thai FA offered him a formal contract, Kiatisak – who helped the under-23 team reclaim the Games title in Myanmar in December – has now decided to take up the job.
The 40-year-old, who succeeded fellow former national player Surachai Jaturapattarapong, said he took the reins on the assurances of caretaker Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, who as the team’s manager promised to seal the deal later.
“I talked with Kittiratt and he gave his word that he would handle the matter about my contract for sure. I’m ready to start my job now. My first game in charge is against Lebanon in the Asian Cup qualifier at home next month,” Kiatisak said.
Though the Thai side is already out of contention for a place in the Asian Cup finals in Australia next year, Kiatisak was still hoping to have his best players for the final group match against Lebanon on March 5 at Rajamangala National stadium.
“I’ll call up the players for training after the first round of the Thai Premier League fixtures. I’m quite concerned that a few clubs might not release the lads for the Lebanon match.
“Even though we’re already out of the race in the Asian Cup qualifiers, fans still want to see the team win, so we need to have our best players available. I hope the clubs would see the importance and release the players. I’ll find the time to drop by at each club to talk to the players myself.”
