More than 20 coaches interested in Thai job: Somyot
FOOTBALL Association of Thailand president Somyot Poompanmuang has pleaded for time to select a new coach for the national team in place of Kiatisak Senamuang, who departed abruptly last week.
Kiatisak decided to step down from the post he had held since the middle of 2013 on Friday just days after his side returned home following a 4-0 loss to Japan in the last-12 team round of Asian qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
With Thailand not back in competitive action until their next World Cup qualifier at home to UAE on June 13, Somyot said he was in no rush to appoint Kiatisak’s replacement, adding that more than 20 coaches have shown interest in the job.
Somyot’s comment came after he met German veteran Wilfried Schaefer, who made a pitch for a return to the national post that he previously held between 2011 and 2013, on Monday.
“It is great to know that many people want to help our team. We need to know what each of them can offer us. Many coaches have submitted their applications. Most of them are happy to fly in for talks.
“Whether they are a high-profile coach or not, I need to see whether they suit the job. We need to talk about everything. I may even ask whether they drink or smoke, as we want to set an example for our players.
“I don’t want to set a specific date for making the appointment as I’m in no rush. If we do anything in hurry, the outcome may not be good. We may ask them to undergo a trial of three or four games,” said Somyot.
