A record fifth crown for Thailand: Somyot to meet with Kiatisak for contract extension

Kiatisak helped the country assume the mantle as the region’s top dog by claiming a record-breaking fifth crown, beating Indonesia 2-0 in the return leg of the final at home on Saturday for a 3-2 aggregate success.

It marked the Thai side’s back-to-back triumphs in the biennial tournament that enabled them to forge ahead of Singapore with whom they were tied as the event’s joint most successful country.

The successful title defence also saw Kiatisak, the first man to win the competition as both manager and player, become only the third coach to record successive triumphs after former national coach Peter Withe and Serbian Radojko Avramovic, who achieved the feat with Singapore.

The 43-year-old’s immediate future with the team remains in doubt, considering that his current deal with the Thai FA is due to expire in February. However, Somyot moved swiftly yesterday to pour cold water on persistent speculation about Kiatisak’s contract.

“Aside from the players who deserved the credit for winning the Asean Championship, we also have to praise the work of the coaching team. Zico [Kiatisak’s nickname] is, of course, the guy we admire greatly for his tactics. “We’re well aware that the contract he signed with us will expire in February. So, we’ll call him in early next month to discuss the new deal as well as the team’s targets in 2017,” said Somyot.

Winning the title for the second consecutive season will surely rank among the best moments of Kiatisak’s glittering coaching career. The way his players achieved the landmark made it even more impressive.

Thailand became the first side to overcome a first-leg deficit in the final of the regional championship since the home-and-away format was introduced in 2004. Kiatisak conceded that the Indonesian side, bidding for their maiden success in five attempts in the finals, provided a tough test over two legs. It was a completely different side than the one the Thais had encountered at the group stage when Thais won 4-2.

“Everyone felt the pressure, since we were the defending champions. We never thought they would be a tough nut to crack when we met them in the final. They were much stronger in every aspect.

“We were disappointed after the 2-1 loss in Indonesia. It took some time for us to shake off that setback. However, the boys showed their never-say-die spirit.

 “The players endured only a little pressure compared to me. I had to shoulder everything. I had to deal with the players, the association, the coaching staff and the fans. I’m satisfied that we won it for the second time in a row. However, our happiness is nothing comparable to that of our supporters.

“I have to thank the lads for the trust. They always respected my decisions. I really appreciate that. They worked 70 per cent, while mine was only 30 per cent. This title is a New Year gift to all the Thais,” said Kiatisak.

Diminutive midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin claimed the Most Valuable Player award for the second consecutive time after chipping in one goal and three assists.

  Teerasil Dangda topped the scoring charts with six goals, which saw him become the country’s joint top-scorer in the tournament along with ex-forward Worawut Srimaka with 15 goals.