Kiatisak has limited options as he searches for a centre-back
NATIONAL COACH Kiatisak Senamuang bemoaned the shortage of quality centre-backs in the country, with his defensive options for next month’s World Cup qualifier against Asian champions Australia set to be further depleted by injury and suspension.
The Thai side were left counting the cost of Tuesday’s 4-0 loss to Iraq, their fourth consecutive Group B defeat in the last-12 Asian qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, as they prepared for the match against the Aussies at home.
First-choice central defender Tanaboon Kesarat went off injured in the first half of the Iraq fixture and his replacement Prathum Chutong left the field on a stretcher late in the game after a heavy collision with goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan.
Another centre-back, Koravit Namwiset, was shown a straight red card at during the game at PAS Stadium in Tehran, causing Kiatisak more headaches as the Buriram United player will be suspended for the game against second-placed Australia at Rajamangala National Stadium on November 15.
“We’re shorn of a tall centre-back. While it’s true that Tum [Tanaboon’s nickname] is tall, he was carrying a knock and showing signs of fatigue. So when he played he got injured again. The injury is not the same one he suffered before. So, we’re really short of options in the centre of the defence.
“As for strikers, we have enough and will also bring in some fresh faces. We need to gradually integrate them into the team, as we did with Sirod Chatthong, who played for 15, 25 and 45 minutes previously.
“[Suphanburi FC forward] Chananan Pombuppha is an interesting choice. So we will have Pipo [Sirod’s nickname] as target man, while Mui [Teerasil Dangda] could drift out wide. But we’re really in need of central defenders,” said the 43-year-old coach.
Thailand, whose ranking of 135th makes them the lowest-ranked team to feature in the decisive Asian qualifying, are the only side without a point from their opening four games, which leaves them at the bottom of the six-team Group B. Saudi Arabia top the group on 10 points, two ahead of Australia, with Japan a further point back in third spot. UAE are fourth, followed by Iraq, who earned the first points of their campaign with the win over the Thais.
