Thailand better, says 'Messi Jay'
BEC Tero Sasana midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin is bullish about Thailand's chances of reclaiming the title in the Asean Championship.
The 21-year-old was named in the preliminary 25-player squad announced earlier this week by coach Kiatisak Senamuang for the biennial tournament, from November 22 to December 20.
Having played for the Thailand under-23 side at the recent Asian Games in South Korea, where they finished fourth, Chanathip is hoping to make it to the 20-member final squad.
The BEC Tero Sasana star, nicknamed “Messi Jay” by fans and media, feels that the country now has a “better” team given the talent available to former national striker Kiatisak, who last December guided Thailand to the SEA Games title in Myanmar.
“I am desperate to play. We were runners-up in the previous edition two years ago. But we have a better team now because most of the players are from the Asian Games squad that’s trained together for the past few months. We also have senior players to help out the youngsters in the team.
“I don’t feel any pressure, going into the tournament, even though we will be facing senior national sides this time. My target is to win the title,” said Chanatip, whose small frame and good dribbling skills earned the comparison with Barcelona’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi.
Thailand have been drawn in Group B alongside Myanmar, 2010 winners Malaysia and defending champions Singapore, while Group A comprises Laos, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.
The Thai team, who last won the title in 2002, will begin their campaign against Singapore on November 23 in a repeat of the 2012 final.
