Kiatisak puts contract worries on hold for title defence

Kiatisak’s job as manager remains in doubt, with his contract with the Football Association reportedly due to expire in February.

FA president PolGeneral Somyot Poompanmuang earlier this week evaded questions about Kiatisak’s contract, saying he wanted everyone to concentrate on the team’s title defence at the biennial tournament. 

Currently in Myanmar to prepare his charges for the semifinal first leg at Yangon’s Thuwanna Stadium, the 43-year-old coach himself sounded relaxed when asked about the situation.

“I have no concern over my contract which is about to expire. I’ll think about it later because I want to focus fully on the semifinal tie. It’s a crucial game for us,” said the former national striker, who is on course to win back-to-back Asean titles as a manager to add to the three he won during his playing days.

Kiatisak would do his chances no harm if he managed to help Thailand, whose haul of four titles puts them level with Singapore as the tournament’s joint most successful team, overcome Myanmar and go on to retain the title. 

However, goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan reminded his teammates of the dangers that stem from being the “team to beat”.

“As defending champions, everyone else will want to beat us. So we need to work harder to show other teams we’re good enough to defend our title,” said the Muangthong United keeper. 

Kawin added that the pressure-cooker atmosphere of a full stadium for tomorrow’s fixture would not affect his team, who qualified for the last four with a perfect record as Group A winners.

“There are big crowds in our domestic league games so we have all experienced that kind of atmosphere before. Honestly, I relish playing in front of a huge crowd. It’s such a great atmosphere.”

Thailand will host the return leg on December 8 at Rajamangala National Stadium.