Thailand head into semis with team spirit soaring
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Thailand's football team coach Winfried Schaefer lavished praise on his current side, saying team spirit had never been stronger as they prepare for tomorrow's Asean Championship semi-final first leg.
Three-time champions Thailand face a daunting trip to title-holders Malaysia, a side that contributed to their early elimination from the competition two years ago.
The Thai team heads into the game at the intimidating Bukit Jalil stadium with confidence sky-high after a perfect record in the group stage, which included a 3-1 victory over 2008 winners Vietnam despite fielding a second-string side and ending the game with only 10 men.
The 62-year-old Schaefer said the win over the Vietnamese demonstrated team morale had hit an all-time high during his tenure, which began last year.
“This squad has the best team spirit since I took charge of the Thai team. Both legs in the semi-finals are very important and we must try to come through it. We first visit Malaysia, which is no doubt a tough game for us.
“We need to score to grab an advantage before the second leg at home. If we manage to do so, it will be easier for us,” said the veteran trainer, who succeeded former England captain Bryan Robson in the post.
The German coach kept his cards close to his chest, though, when asked about the line-up for the fixture in the Malaysian capital.
“I need to think about it, since the players who came in for the Vietnam game performed really well. We may make some changes to the side. The game is of such importance so I need to think very carefully.”
‘For King and country’
After leading his team in signing a book of well-wishes for His Majesty at Siriraj Hospital on Thursday, Schaefer encouraged his players to fight for their beloved King by reclaiming a trophy that has eluded them since 2002.
“Our team is dubbed the ‘war elephant’. It means we have to fight for the country. The lads have so far done a great job in serving the country and I hope they continue to do that against Malaysia.
“Hopefully, we can come back with a win for the Thai people and, above all, the King,” said Schaefer.
The German said he was honoured to coach Thailand as he felt it was a chance to serve the King.
“I first came to know about Thailand at only 10 years of age when Their Majesties the King and Queen visited Germany during the summer in 1960. All German people were very impressed and felt honoured to see them both. So it’s a great honour to coach the Thai team.”
