Time for a comeback... Return to serve the nation!!
We must accept the reality that, at this moment, the “Golden Star” warriors, the Vietnam national team,
already have one hand firmly on the "ASEAN Cup 2026" championship trophy.
They came and defeated the Thailand national team 2-0 at Rajamangala Stadium last Saturday night.
In theory, we still have a chance to overturn the situation and win the championship in the second leg this Wednesday.
But in practice, it is extremely difficult with a two-goal deficit.
Moreover, we have to play an away match amid overwhelming pressure from over 40,000 Vietnamese fans at Mỹ Đình Stadium.
This is a "strength" for the Vietnamese players, who often display their best form when playing at home in this stadium.
Unlike Anthony Hudson’s War Elephants, who have played all four matches of this tournament at home.
Their best performance was only in the first half against Vietnam, with two to three chances to take the lead.
In the other three and a half matches, frankly, they failed to impress the officials in any game.
Especially in the second half of the latest loss to Vietnam, it was frustrating to see them just passing the ball around and back with no improvement.
Meanwhile, Vietnam decisively capitalized on counterattacks.
They converted both opportunities into two goals, gaining the advantage exactly as planned.
This clearly shows the superior tactics of coach Kim Sang-sik compared to coach Hudson’s approach.
However, the final outcome of this ASEAN Cup battle remains uncertain.
The mixed War Elephants squad, which promoted young U23 players as core alongside senior players cleared by their clubs to represent the nation,
has met expectations satisfactorily by reaching the final, as seen.
The challenge for the Thai Football Association now lies in setting the direction for building the national team and deciding which approach to emphasize.
If the goal is tangible success in the future,
the coach is a key factor. If they continue to trust Anthony Hudson as coach, discussions must be held.
To clearly define direction and policies,
including a playing style that looks promising and aligns with the potential of the available players.
Most importantly, the position of "technical director" for the national team, which is currently being selected,
has yet to find a suitable and appealing candidate.
If no one fits, I suggest not looking far or from some distant star.
“Coach Zico” Kiatisuk Senamuang, the former War Elephants coach beloved by all Thai people,
who attends and cheers for the younger players at almost every match from the sidelines, would be the best fit!
There have been loud calls from Thai football fans for the acrobatic coach to return as head coach again,
to revive faith in the Thai national team just as he did brilliantly in the past.
I am one who agrees with this.
If “President Pang” Nualphan Lamsam decides to call Coach Zico back to work for the association,
the current status of “Kiatisuk Senamuang” has surpassed that of a national team coach or head coach.
With his stature, experience, and extensive connections at over age 50,
the most appropriate and deserving position for him is technical director.
With the role of planning and setting policies for all Thai national teams, from youth to senior levels.
This is separate from the administrative roles of the association’s vice presidents, like Dr. Charnwit Polcheewin and “The Tuck” Piyapong Piew-on on the board.
They have often been the scapegoats for the association when the national team’s results disappoint fans.
I believe that if Coach Zico takes responsibility for this major role,
the pressure previously directed at the association president will lessen significantly,
due to confidence in his skills and tangible accomplishments,
which fans experienced in the past as a guarantee.
Thai football today is completely different from the era when Zico coached the team.
Therefore, he is no longer suitable as head coach.
But if he wears the hat of “technical leader” to set the direction for the Thai national team,
it should work and produce more substantial results than before, certainly!!!
- Bee Bangpakong -