Nicolas Mickelson admits the Thai squad is still adjusting after a head coach change but stresses the sole aim is to secure 3 points against Sri Lanka to preserve their path to the 2027 Asian Cup final round.
On 17 November 2025, Nicolas Mickelson, a Thai national team player, spoke at the pre-match press conference ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying matchday 5 in Group D, where the War Elephants prepare to visit Sri Lanka on Tuesday. He acknowledged the team is still adapting after significant changes within the squad.
Thailand recently changed head coaches from Masatada Ishii to Anthony Hudson last month. Hudson has led the team in only one match so far—a friendly against Singapore—meaning the entire team structure, including playing style and training culture, requires time to fully align.
Mickelson shared his thoughts:
“We have prepared our tactics and team with the goal of winning tomorrow's game. Given factors like the relatively new squad and a different coaching style, we must prepare as best as possible to do everything we can to secure victory.”
“Of course, there have been many internal changes—training intensity, team culture, and coaching staff—which we need time to adjust to.”
Currently in Group D, Thailand sits second with 9 points, tied with Turkmenistan but behind on head-to-head results due to an earlier loss. Thailand has two remaining matches and must win both to qualify for the final round without relying on other results.
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In this match, Thailand will visit Sri Lanka, ranked 193rd in the world, at Colombo Racecourse Stadium in Colombo on 18 November 2025 at 17:15 Thailand time. The game will be broadcast live on Thairath TV Channel 32 andhttps://www.thairath.co.th/tv/live(coverage begins at 16:45).
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