Thailand coach wants players to follow the example of the Vietnam team

In the opening match of the 2023 Asian Cup campaign, despite facing a very strong opponent, Japan, the Vietnamese team played resiliently, scoring 2 goals against the number one candidate for the championship.

The performance and fighting spirit of the "golden star warriors" created a morale boost for regional teams, including the Thai team.

Speaking before the match against Kyrgyzstan in Group F of the 2023 Asian Cup (9:30 p.m. on January 16), Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii asked his players to follow the example of the Vietnamese team.

HLV Thái Lan muốn cầu thủ noi gương đội tuyển Việt Nam - 1 — Coach Masatada Ishii praised the fighting spirit of the Vietnamese team (Photo: FAT).

"The Thai players are considered very talented, but what we want from this team is that everyone plays with 100% dedication. Let's see what the Vietnamese team showed against the Japanese team.

Thailand is also a team from Southeast Asia. I hope they play with the same spirit as Vietnam, never giving up and always hungry for victory throughout the game," the new captain of the Thai team emphasized.

Regarding preparations for the 2023 Asian Cup, coach Masatada Ishii affirmed that the Thai team is ready: "After a short period of concentration in Thailand and then in Qatar, up to this point the Thai team is ready for this tournament with the highest determination."

Regarding the squad, the Golden Temple team will be without many stars, including Teerasil Dangda and Chanathip Songkrasin due to injuries. However, coach Masatada Ishii confirmed that he has alternative plans.

"Of course, they are all important players for Thailand. It's a pity that they cannot participate, but we still have many stars like Theerathon. The Thai team has many quality players, ready to take on the task," said coach Masatada Ishii.

HLV Thái Lan muốn cầu thủ noi gương đội tuyển Việt Nam - 2 — Thailand team falls into a difficult group (Photo: FAT).

At the 2023 Asian Cup, Thailand was drawn into a group with Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kyrgyzstan. These are all strong opponents, so Thailand's chances of advancing are very difficult.

"In terms of FIFA rankings, Thailand has the lowest ranking compared to its opponents, but nothing can be predicted in football. If the whole team is united, I am sure we will be able to achieve our goal," the Japanese coach affirmed.

Also in the pre-match press conference, defender Theerathon Bunmathan said: "We have prepared thoroughly physically and mentally for the Asian Cup. At this time, the whole team has adapted well to the weather in Qatar and is ready to play dedicated matches. Thailand values teamwork and will achieve good results in this tournament."

Thailand will play their opening match of the 2023 Asian Cup against Kyrgyzstan at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium at 9:30 p.m. on January 16 (Vietnam time).