Many Thai stars speak out after coach Mano Polking was fired

"Thank you," midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin expressed on social media after the news that coach Mano Polking was officially fired from the "hot seat" of the Thai national team.

Chanathip was used by coach Mano Polking in the opening match against China in the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup and was injured and had to leave the field in the second half. The "War Elephants" lacked their conductor in the midfield and were defeated by China with a score of 2-1.

Nhiều ngôi sao Thái Lan lên tiếng sau khi HLV Mano Polking bị sa thải - 1 — The Football Association of Thailand parted ways with coach Mano Polking (Photo: FAT).

In the match against Singapore, Chanathip did not recover from his injury in time and had to be absent, but the Thai team still won 3-1 despite conceding the first goal.

However, this victory could not keep coach Mano Polking's job as he was fired by the head of the Thai football delegation, Madam Pang, just a few hours later.

Despite feeling disappointed, coach Mano Polking still sent his thanks to Thai football during his 2 years in the "captain's" chair through a post on social media.

“Thank you for an incredible journey over the past two years with an amazing team. I have a great memory. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this chapter in my professional life.

Keep going, don't give up. Because the dream is not over yet! Now I just want to rest. To enjoy a merry Christmas with my family and friends," the 47-year-old military leader expressed.

Nhiều ngôi sao Thái Lan lên tiếng sau khi HLV Mano Polking bị sa thải - 2 — Coach Polking is under a lot of pressure after Thailand lost to China on November 16 (Photo: AP).

Immediately after coach Mano Polking's post, many Thai players also expressed their gratitude to the strategist with dual Brazilian and German nationality.

"Thank you and good luck in the future. I am very happy to work with you," goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan said.

"Thank you coach for everything," wrote Elias Doloh, a midfielder whose father is Thai and mother is Swedish.

"Thank you for everything," midfielder Channarong Promsrikaew expressed, while midfielder Sanrawat Dechmit only sent an emoji of a hand sending encouragement and a heart to coach Mano Polking.

"Thank you very much and good luck," defender duo Chalermsak Akkee and Pawee Thanthateme said together.

Notably, the head of the Thai football delegation, Madam Pang, also expressed her concern under coach Mano Polking's post with a heart symbol but did not comment.

Nhiều ngôi sao Thái Lan lên tiếng sau khi HLV Mano Polking bị sa thải - 3 — Many Thai players sent their best wishes to coach Polking (Photo: AP).

Coach Mano Polking led the Thai team to 37 matches, including 21 wins, 8 draws and 8 losses. The 47-year-old coach helped the "War Elephants" win the Southeast Asian Championship twice (2020 and 2022) and led the Thai U23 team to win the silver medal at the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam.

After parting ways with coach Mano Polking, the Football Association of Thailand also announced the appointment of Japanese coach Masatada Ishii to the "hot seat". Mr. Masatada Ishii (56 years old) has been a coach since 2015. He has led the clubs: Kashima Antlers, Omiya Ardija, Samut Prakan City, Buriram United...

Source