Teerasil gets a chance to lead the country
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Spain-bound striker Teerasil Dangda will lead the Thai side for the first time against Lebanon in the Asian Cup qualifying match at Rajamangala National stadium today.
Last month, the 25-year-old Teerasil realised his dream of plying his trade abroad when his Thai Premier League club Muangthong United reached an agreement with Spanish La Liga outfit Almeria, who would take him on loan for a year from July.
The Thai forward, who will get another crack at a career in Europe after his ill-fated stint with English Premier League side Manchester City in 2008, received more good news when national coach Kiatisak “Zico” Senamuang handed him the armband for the Lebanon fixture.
Despite the fact that it was a meeting between two sides who have no chance of making it through for the Asian Cup finals in Australia next year, Teerasil was relishing an opportunity to lead his team in their final Group B match.
“I’m thankful to everyone, who gave me this chance. Indeed, there’re senior players in the squad such as Sinthaweechai [Hathairattanakool] and Datsakorn [Thonglao], who had already captained the side. I owe this promotion to them and I’m glad to do this duty and I will try to do my best.”
The home clash against Lebanon, who beat a Thai side coached by German trainer Winfried Schaefer 5-3 in Beirut last March, is Kiatisak’s first match in charge of the team after he succeeded fellow former national player Surachai Jaturapattarapong last month.
Teerasil gave his full backing to former forward Kiatisak after the 40-year-old led the country to the SEA Games triumph in Myanmar in December.
“I believe he is good tactically and he has been around for many years either as a player or coach. Given his vast experience, he knows the strengths and weaknesses
of Thai players. He certainly could give us good advice.”
On his loan move to Almeria with a view of making the signing permanent, Teerasil revealed he already started preparing himself for the Spain trip.
“I’ve spent my free time learning Spanish. But, that’s just for the future. Now, I’m still a Muangthong player and I want to give it all for my team each week. I just hope not to get injured before the trip,” said Teerasil.
