Somyot refutes Zico claim
Football Association of Thailand president Somyot Poompanmuang has dismissed former national coach Kiatisak Senamuang’s allegation that the hiring of Ekkono Method Soccer Services made the technical director’s role redundant.
Kiatisak spoke publicly for the first time on Monday evening since his abrupt departure from the Thailand post last week.
The former national striker alleged that the arrival of Ekkono to oversee the national team setup at youth levels made the technical director’s position held by Withaya Laohakul, better known as “Coach Heng”, superfluous.
Somyot, however, insisted Withaya, a respected trainer, who had coaching stints in Japan, still had a key role to play at the association.
“If the arrival of Ekkono is not good, we have to talk and give them advice but we would not interfere with their work. They have already started looking for players for the under16 and under19 sides.
“We could give them suggestions if needed but there’s definitely no interference. It’s an ironclad rule not to interfere in the work of the coach. You can ask Kiatisak. When coach Heng compiled information of other teams for the meeting, we only made some recommendations.
“To say coach Heng has no work to do is not true. I’ve always talked with him. As you know, I have little background in football. If I need any input regarding any players or coach I turn to coach Heng,” said the Thai FA boss.
