Thailand’s first match since Winfried Schaefer resigned to take over as manager of Muang Thong United ended in a 5-1 friendly victory over China yesterday.
Interim manager Kiatisak “Zico” Senamuang was without a number of key players, including star striker Teerasil Dangda for the match in Haifi.
Thailand took the lead after 16 minutes through Pokklao Anan and Adisak Kraisorn doubled the lead minutes later. This early setback forced China’s Spanish manager, Jose Camacha, to make three substitutions to try and get his side back into the game. The changes seemed to work straight way as Wang Yangbo pulled a goal back from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute.
Camacha made two further changes at half time but his team were ripped apart in the second half. Adisak scored his second just after halftime and the rout was completed by Chanathip Songkrasin and Saruwut Masuk.
Kiatsik, who also coaches Thailand’s under-23 SEA Games squad, said before the game that he doesn’t see himself as the long term manager of Thailand.
“I am giving my word that I would leave after the match against China. If you ask whether I would take charge of the team in the future, I cannot give a definite answer right now. I feel, at this point, that I haven’t had enough experience to coach the senior team.
“For me, it does not matter whether the Thai FA decides to hire a local or a foreigner as our next coach. Each decision has its pros and cons. A foreign coach might be good but he may not win over the players,” Kiatisak told the Nation. Video of the match can be found on FootyTube here.
