THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

New Thailand coach Nishino will have free rein: Somyot

New Thailand coach Nishino will have free rein: Somyot

Thai Football Association president Somyot Poompanmoung says that new national manager Akira Nishino will have total control over both the senior team and U23 team.

The former Japan national team manager was appointed to lead the Thai national squad on Monday, with Somyot assuring him that the FA never interfered in team management.
The 64-year-old former Japan midfielder met with Somyot and the FA for almost four hours behind closed doors on Monday before flying back to Japan as the new Thailand coach.
“We’ve worked really hard all day on negotiations,” said Somyot. “Akira is a disciplined person. He has to finish his work with the Japanese FA first before he starts working with the Thai national teams as a full-time coach,” the Thai football boss added.
Somyot insisted he had never interfered with the work of any national coach since he took office in 2016 and would allow Nishino full freedom in the role.
“The association only looks after the needs of the players and coaching team. We ensure that they eat and sleep well,” said Somyot.
“In terms of the team coaching, I didn’t tell him [Akira] what style should be used. He must already have studied and understood which style suits the team best. He has to create a style that can draw out the maximum potential of the Thai players.
“I know what the Thai FA and fans want. I believe he has the coaching spirit to make the team champions and win every game.”
However, the FA chief said Nishino’s contract was still being written, though a verbal agreement had been reached for him to take the post.
“He will arrive to work after completing his duties with the Japanese FA,” Somyot said.
Nishino rose to fame in 2018 when he spearheaded Japan to the round of 16 in the World Cup before losing to Belgium 3-2.
His first major tasks with Thailand’s senior and U23 teams will be the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers in September and the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines.

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