Coach Polking leads Thailand U23 at SEA Games

Thailand U23 is under the direction of former player Worrawoot Srimaka from 2021. However, during the press conference on the morning of April 11, the female team leader of the Thai team Nualphan Lamsam announced that Coach Mano Polking would temporarily lead the U23 team. Thailand at the 31st SEA Games and the Asian U23 final round.

After these two events are over, the U23 team will be handed over to Srimaka, and Polking will return to take charge of the team.

“The decision was made a bit late, but I fully believe it. Many people are waiting for the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam,” Ms. Lamsam said at a press conference in the presence of both Polking and Srimaka. “For me, the SEA Games is an important event. This is the sports festival of Southeast Asian countries. Every gold medal is precious, especially men’s football. Because this is a sport that many people care about. All participating countries want to win this gold medal.”

The decision to let Polking lead the U23 team shows Thailand’s desire to reclaim the top position at the SEA Games. After winning the gold medal in 2017, they could not make it past the group stage in 2019 and saw Vietnam crowned. Srimaka is highly regarded and has a long history of working with young Thai football, but Polking built his reputation after helping Thailand beat Vietnam in the semi-finals and win the AFF Cup 2020. The Brazilian coach also understands football. Vietnam because he once led the Ho Chi Minh City Club.

“SEA Games is not on FIFA’s list of tournaments. But I have been playing football for 15-16 years, and every tournament in the name of the Thai flag is important. We have to give it to other countries even more. see the power of Thai athletes at the Southeast Asian level,” Lamsam affirmed. “The only reason why I accept this responsibility is because many people say that Thai football is in crisis, and the crisis can only be solved by victory. Everyone needs to unite for the future of football. Thailand”

Thailand once intended to send the U19 team to the 31st SEA Games to gain experience. But Ms. Lamsam said the best players from Thailand U23 will be sent to Vietnam and does not rule out the possibility of adding three players over 23 years old. “The U19 team couldn’t attend the SEA Games. I’m sorry but this tournament is very important. Now, we have a list of 50 players. Coach Worrawoot Srimaka and Choktawee Promrat failed in the Dubai Cup, when the performance The team’s performance was not good enough Meanwhile, Polking performed very well.Look at Vietnam, they stopped the national championship for the sake of winning the gold medal.I invited Coach Mano to hold the U23 team at SEA Games because I wanted to. bring happiness to Thai fans once again”.

In the Dubai Cup, Thailand U23 lost all three matches with the score 0-1 against Qatar, 2-4 against China and 1-2 against Iraq. Meanwhile, Vietnam drew with Iraq 0-0, lost to Croatia 0-1 and lost to Uzbekistan 0-1.

At the 31st SEA Games, Thailand is in Group B with Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore and Laos.

Vinh San (according to Siam Sports)