Concentration lapses a major worry for Kiatisak
>> While the Thai players practised setpieces and free- kicks in Abu Dhabi, coach Kiatisak Senamuang said he planned to have “man- to- man chats” with the team before the World Cup qualifier against the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.
Thailand are in the UAE capital to play their third Group B match of the Asian zone final qualifying phase for Russia 2018.
Kiatisak said he wasn’t worried about the hot weather in Abu Dhabi anymore, but there were other issues that need to be dealt with before Thursday’s clash.
“The five days we have spent here have been very beneficial to the team,” said Kiatisak.
“The players have adapted well to the conditions here and that is the least of my worries now.
“I have a bigger concern about my players suffering from lapses in concentration, which have already cost us two matches. “I am going to have man-to-man chats with the players. They need to understand the tactics and the importance of staying focused throughout the match.”
Thailand lost their first Group B match 1- 0 against Saudi Arabia in Riyadh before being over whelmed by Japan 2-0 in Bangkok in the second game.
They play Iraq in Tehran on Oct 11. Kiatisak added: “After those losses, it’s time for us to impress our fans, but I don’t want to pressure the team too much to deliver.”
Midfielder Charyl Chappuis said the UAE are a very strong side, which produced impressive results at the Asian Cup because of their teamwork.
“We need to keep a watchful eye on their star player Umer Abdulrehman, but I am confident that we will do well in this match,” Chappuis said.
“We must be 100 per cent ready for the match and it should be a good experience for us. We must go back with at least a point.” Goal keeper Sinthaweechai Hathairatanakul added that all team members had adapted well and were looking forward to the match.
Australia and Saudi Arabia have six points each in Group B and the UAE and Japan three each. Thailand and Iraq are still chasing their first point.
The top two teams of each of the two groups earn tickets to Russia. The two third- placed teams meet in a playoff with the winners facing a Concacaf side for another berth.
ROYAL GIFT
HH Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE prime minister and ruler of Dubai, has ordered the allocation of a plane for the UAE national football team’s crucial away qualifier against Saudi Arabia on Oct 11, the Gulf News reported.
After two matches, the UAE, popularly known as The Whites, have three points — thanks to an opening 2- 1 win against Japan in Saitama which was followed by a narrow 0- 1 loss against australia.