Sirisak lays down the law: find your form or miss out
Thailand coach Sirisak Yodyadthai said on Wednesday that players should be able to hit peak form if picked by their country, no matter how tough a time they’ve had with their clubs.
The caretaker manager announced a 35-man squad for next month’s King’s Cup in Buriram and included four Muangthong United players their club had asked to be omitted due to their dismal form in the Thai League.
Sirisak went with his original choices and picked strikers Teerasil Dangda and Adisak Kraisorn, midfielder Sarach Yooyen and defender Adisorn Promrat, saying their experience would benefit the team.
In particular he was referring to Teerasil, who will be earn his 100th cap if chosen to play in the opening game of the four-nation tournament, against Vietnam on June 5.
“Both Teerasil and Sarach have always performed well in the national team,” said Sirisak who has been in charge of the national team since the Asian Cup in January.
“The team needs experienced players to help the young players. Besides, Teerasil should be allowed to have the honour of winning his 100th cap.
“No matter what happens with Muangthong in the Thai League, the players should maximise their efforts to find the best form in the League games - oherwise they may miss their spots in the final cut,” added Sirisak, who will whittle down his squad to 23 players later this month.
Sirisak has also called up for other overseas players: Chanatip Songkrasin of Consadole Sappporo, Thitipan Puangchan of Oita Trinita, Kawin Thamsatchanan of Oh Leuven and Theerathon Bunmathan of Yogkohama F Marinos.
Star striker Supachai Jaided and 16-year-old up-and-coing Supanat Muenta, both from the under-23 team, are also in the list.
“Actually I told [under-23 coach] Alexandre Gama that only Supachai is needed but Supanat should be given this opportunity too judging by how he has performed and even scored goals in the Thai League,” Sirisak said.
He also insisted that his only thought was to win the King’s Cup – India and the Caribbean island nation of Curacao are the other teams taking part.
