Rajevac convinced Thailand can fulfil World Cup dreams

The 63-year-old Serbian was preferred to other high-profile candidates, including German veteran Wilfried Schaefer, for the national post that became vacant after former national striker Kiatisak Senamuang decided to step down at the end of March following the team’s poor campaign in the ongoing last-12 team round of Asian qualifying for next year’s World Cup in Russia. 

Rajevac, who oversaw Ghana’s historic run to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup before they lost to Uruguay on penalties, declared at Thai FA headquarters that he was the “right man” for the job of reviving the team’s fortunes.

“It’s a great pleasure to be appointed as the coach of the Thai team. I believe we can further develop Thai football. Football is the top sport in the country. I’m confident I can play my part to improve the sport here,” he said.

While looking to develop the tactical side of the Thai team’s play, the Serbian is convinced Thai players will be able to adjust to the changes under his guidance.

“It’s too early to talk about our style of play or tactics. We have to assess many things. I have to meet the team first. At this stage, I expect the players to be able to play in different styles. I have belief in their technical ability. I don’t expect them to have any problem in adjusting to different styles of play.”

Rajevac insisted he would try to make the most of his new charges’ remaining three games in the World Cup qualifiers even though their elimination is already confirmed after picking up only a solitary point from seven matches.

“I want to develop the team and see positive results in our last three games. We want to show that we can compete better against ‘big’ teams on the continent. So the final three games are still important even though we don’t have a chance to go further.

“I have done my homework about the team, whether on the players or how they played in previous games. But, as I said, I need to see the players first, as we have to learn about each other.

“However, the players are not the only thing I have to learn about. I also need to study our opponents,” said Rajevac, who was offered a one-year contract with the option to extend for another year.

The well-travelled manager, whose previous jobs in Asian football included a brief spell as coach of the Qatar national side, aims to help the Kingdom qualify for the World Cup being staged in Qatar in 2022.

“I think Thai players have a lot of fighting spirit, which is something that I like. I also see their potential, and they also have good technique. However, they had a tendency to |play too much on the offensive in the past.

“We need to be more cautious, as we conceded too many goals in the process. My previous teams didn’t let in a lot of goals. That’s something we need to work on tactically.

“I have led a team to the [World Cup] finals. Achieving that would take time and require patience as well as dedication from everyone, especially the players. Personally, if we work as a team and receive help from others, most importantly the fans, I’m convinced we can reach the World Cup in Qatar.”