Returning Kittiratt intent on bringing success to Thailand
Deputy prime minister named as manager
Published: 12/01/2013
Newly appointed Thailand manager Kittiratt Na-Ranong is already targeting victory at the SEA Games in Myanmar in December.
The Football Association of Thailand yesterday confirmed Kittiratt will manage the team at the King's Cup, Asian Cup and SEA Games.
Also, former Thailand striker Kiatisak Senamuang was announced as coach of the U23 side for the SEA Games.
Totchtawan Sripan and Surachai Jatupatarapong, who played alongside Kiatisak for Thailand's so-called 'Dream Team' national side, are his advisers, while ex-players Sarawut Kumbua and Krairung Treejaksang are part of his staff.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittiratt embarks on his second stint as manager of the national side.
"I am very happy to be back as the national team manager," he said. "It is a challenge for me. We have only one target - win the SEA Games gold medal.
"We have 11 months before the SEA Games kick off. That seems like a long time but it is not very long at all."
Thailand won the SEA Games title eight times in a row before suffering two embarrassing first-round exits in the 2009 and 2011 editions of the biennial tournament.
Kiatisak, one of Thailand's best strikers of all time, said he intended to make the most of the remaining 11 months before the tournament.
"The players have to play for their clubs and it is up to the clubs to get them into good condition," said Kiatisak, who is affectionately called by his nickname, 'Zico'.
"I hope to have at least seven warm-up matches for the SEA Games team to test the players until we know the best ones."
Kiatisak acknowledged that Thailand had failed to perform in recent SEA Games but welcomed the challenge of turning that record around.
"Although there is pressure on me, I am not afraid at all," he said.
"I want every player to have good discipline and, with me as coach, they will be training very hard.
"This year's squad will be the best squad for Thailand. Many players have had success with their club sides but not yet with the national team."
Kiatisak announced his initial 26-man squad for the SEA Games, led by goalkeeper Kawin Thamasatchanan and defender Teerathorn Bunmathan, who are also members of the full national team.
The full national side under German coach Winfried Schaefer will take part in the four-team King's Cup in Chiang Mai from Jan 23-26 with the other three participants being Sweden, Finland and North Korea.
Thailand will begin their 2015 Asian Cup qualifying campaign at home against Kuwait in Bangkok on Feb 6, with Iran and Lebanon the two other teams in the group.
Credit : Bangkok Post
