Nishino signs 2-year extension with FAT
Veteran Japanese coach promises to live up to expectations of demanding fans
>> The Football of Thailand (FAT) yesterday rewarded Akira Nishino for his “good work” by handing him a two-year extension to serve as head coach of both national senior and U23 teams.
Under the new contract, which was signed at a press conference yesterday, the veteran Japanese will continue to be in charge of the national senior and U23 sides.
Nishino’s seven-month stay in the Kingdom has produced mixed results so far.
The War Elephants started their bid for a place in the 12-team third and final round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup in an impressive manner but their campaign gradually skidded off the track. Thailand are in Group G of the Qatar 2022 qualifying event along with Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.
The Thais were eliminated in the first round of the 2019 SEA Games football tournament, restricted to players aged under 22 years, last month.
However, the same team then put on a fabulous show in the 2020 AFC U23 Championship, which is now underway in the Kingdom, by reaching the quarter-finals.
FAT president Somyot Poompunmuang told the press conference that the association agreed to extend Nishino’s contract for two more years due to his performance in managing the two national teams.
“We are happy with Nishino’s performance and good work and agreed to let him set the foundation for the development of Thai players,” Somyot said.
“I am confident that the Thai national teams, under coach
Nishino, will produce good results in the future.
“We are open to extending the contract even further if there is a noticeable improvement in Thai players, but I realise that this will take time.”
Apart from overseeing the two national teams, Nishino’s job will also cover the human resource development, including the coaches, added Somyot.
Nishino, meanwhile, thanked Thai football fans for their support in the past seven months, and vowed to respond to their expectation with utmost efforts.
“I received warm support from the fans and also media. I understand the football fans have high expectations over the national teams, so, I will reciprocate to them with my best efforts,” said Nishino.
“I think the Thai teams have improved to a certain level.
“Everything needs time and it is not only the national training camps that matter — the players also need to develop a great deal at their clubs.
“We must continue the development like we did with the national youth team and it showed during the AFC U23 Championship. The
Thai players were able to show everyone that they have the potential and I think they can improve even further in the future.”
Nishino, 64, also hinted at giving national senior team call-ups to new players.
“We are due to play Indonesia on March 26. The Thai leagues will start soon and that will be the time to look for some new players. We can’t last long with limited resources so we must develop a wider pool of talented players.”
However, the Japanese coach admitted that communication was still problematic between him and the players.
“I have been here for seven months but still find it difficult to communicate with the players. This is one hurdle that I desperately want to overcome.
“There are some cultural differences as well, but I am learning.
“I have been asked on many occasions, whether I want to bring over the Japanese staff coaches?
“Actually, there are people in Japan who can help us develop football in Thailand, but they have other commitments and are not in a position to make the move.” BANGKOK POST/KYODO