THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

FA guru worried about ‘Thai Messi’s’ Japan move

FA guru worried about ‘Thai Messi’s’ Japan move

Football Association of Thailand vice president Witthaya Laohakul is concerned that national midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin’s loan move to Japan next July will come at the wrong time.

Chanathip’s deal with J-League newcomers Consadole Sapporo, who secured a return to the Japanese top-flight after winning the second-tier J2-League, was confirmed earlier this week after the 23-year-old played a major role in helping Thailand retain their Asean Championship title. 

Dubbed Messi Jay for a body frame and dribbling skills reminiscent of Barcelona’s Argentine star Lionel Messi, Chanathip will play for Muangthong United in the first half of next season before joining his new club in July on an 18-month contract.  

That means he will be available for the Thai League champions’ campaign in the AFC Champions League’s group stage, before beginning his Sapporo stint in warmer summer temperatures that should aid his acclimatisation.

However, Witthaya – who also serves the Thai FA’s technical director – believes the player will arrive too late to make an impact.

“The plan [for Chanathip to travel to Japan in July] looks really worrying,” he said.

“Ideally, he should start training with Consadole in the preseason period, because there will be lots to learn – whether from new teammates, the coaching team or tactics. It’s a process that will take time to adjust to.

“Every player needs to adjust when moving to a new club. And that becomes even more difficult when they move to a new league overseas. They have to adapt, both on and off the field. Everything is new – the language, culture and weather.

“Mentally, they also have to make adjustments. If they can’t do that, they won’t be able to play to their full potential.”

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