Thailand new head coach: ‘I want to reach top strongest teams in Asia’

Speaking after both sides reached preliminary agreements, coach Akira Nishino sets the goals to sit in top strongest team in Asia.

After the successful negotiation, Akira claims his joy to work with Thailand. The Japanese strategist reveals his ambitious with the War Elephants’ to leverage to the continental level.

Speaking with Thailand media, he stated, “Thailand is full of potential and having great technique. I want to take them to top of strongest team in Asia”.

Thailand football has been falling into a slump and lost its position in ASEAn zone to Vietnam then being defeated consecutively in big tournament in region and continent including AFC U23 Championship 2018, Asiad 2018, AFF Cup 2018, Asian cup 2019, AFC U23 2020 qualifiers, and King’s Cup 2019.

Regarding the above tournament, Vietnam all got impressive achievement. Earlier, U23 Vietnam defeated U23 Thailand 4-0 in My Dinh stadium and Thailand national team was thrashed by Vietnam NT in Chang Arena. This has cause FAT to recruit a professional coach by all price to help ‘Changsuek’ take back what it lost.

Earlier, Thai Football Federation (FAT) President Somyot Poompanmoung wanted to recruit a coach to help the 'War Elephant' regain Southeast Asia's No. 1 position from Vietnam. "I am looking for a coach who can bring the Thai team back to South East Asia no.1 position. After that, we want to go to the continent and the World Cup"

The 64-year-old Akira Nishino is one of the most successful coaches in Japan. He used to help Japan to reach knockout stage in the 2018 World Cup. In the past, coach Akira Nishino had led U20 Japan (1991-1992) and Japan U23 (1994-1996).

Nishino once led Kashiwa Reysol, Gamba Osaka, Vissel Kobe and Nagoya Grampus clubs. In particular, this leader once won the AFC Champions League with Gamba Osaka in 2008. This achievement helped Nishino to be voted the Best Coach of the Asian Football Association (AFC) in 2008.

At the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers draw in Asia, Vietnam is pooled in Pot 2, while Thailand sits in Pot 3. It is likely that 'Golden Dragon' and 'War Elephant' will lie together in the same group. This helps Nishino get a chance to compete with the most successful coach in SEAN: Park Hang Seo.