Kiatisak orders double training sessions ahead of Australia match
Thailand football coach Kiatisak Senamuang believes his players can give Asian champions Australia a run for their money in next month’s World Cup qualifier at home if they improve their fitness level.
With the domestic season cut short as a mark of respect after the passing of His Majesty the King, former national striker Kiatisak has plenty of time to prepare his men for the Australia fixture on November 15 at Rajamangala National Stadium.
The 40th-ranked Australians go into the Group B encounter in Asia’s last-12 World Cup qualifying as overwhelming favourites, and Kiatisak said his side – with no points from four matches – needed to rely on fitness if they were to spring a surprise over the unbeaten Socceroos, who are second in the table.
“From now on, we have double training sessions each day. It shouldn’t be long before we build our physical strength. All the lads are focused and we can see the determination in their eyes.
“If we are ready physically, we will be able to push the Australians all the way. But this is by no means an easy game, as they have more than 10 players who ply their trade in Europe. We’ll give it our best shot, though,” said the 43-year-old trainer.
Meanwhile, Buriram Untied full-back Narubadin Weerawatnodom has joined up with the national-squad training camp at Kirin Valley in Nakhon Ratchasima to prepare for the Australia match followed by the Asean Championship, due to kick off on November 19.
The 22-year-old arrived later than others due to prior commitments. Muangthong United right-back Tristan Do will join the squad today after returning from France.
