Thirachai backs coach Hermans
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Thirachai Wuthitham, the chairman of the National Futsal Development committee, said national coach Victor Hermans would remain in his post at least until when his current contract expires next year.
Thirachai gave a vote of confidence to the coach after Thailand’s commendable performances in the ongoing Futsal World Cup.
The Thais’ run in the showpiece tournament ended on Sunday when they came up short against twotime world champions Spain in the last 16 round at Nimibutr Stadium. As expected, the hosts went down in a comprehensive 7-1 loss.
Nevertheless, reaching the knockout round of the 24-team tournament was already an achievement for the hosts, who had failed to survive the group stage in their previous three campaigns in the Cup finals.
Thirachai said Dutch coach Hermans, who led his side to the runnersup spot in the Asian Championship earlier this year, would continue his work until at least next year when Thailand are due to compete in two big tournaments – the SEA Games in Burma and Martial Arts Games in South Korea.
“He’ll search for capable players for the team next year. Our policy is to find athletes not older than 21. They’ll first come as backups then we’ll let them gain experience gradually. By the time of the next World Cup, they’ll be strong players for us,” Thirachai said.
