At the recent press conference with Thai media, Akira Nishino said he felt comfortable and looks forward to the battle with Vietnam in the World Cup 2022 qualifiers.
The Thailand national team, with almost all top foreign-based players including Chanathip Songkrasin (Japan), Theerathon Bunmathan(Japan), Thitipan Puangchan(Japan) and goalie Kawin Thamsatchanan (Belgium), coached by Nishino, is actively training to take on Vietnam at home.
This will be Nishino’s first big challenge since he took over the position in July. The result of the match does not just mean a point but above all it is the honor and pride of the region’s two leading football teams. The 64-year-old, however, said he feels no pressure ahead of the match, “I’mexcited to play at home and feel under no pressure. My team and I will perform to the best of our ability”.
“Since we have only three days to train, we will try to focus on the small details of each player in order to understand the tactics as much as possible”.
He also addressed the question of his striker, “Supachai Jaded is not the only forward of the team because we have many other players in the offensive line”.
“Of course, a lot is expected of the three Japan-based stars. I hope they can bring their experience in Japan to adapt our team. I know the Vietnamese media is keeping a close eye on Thailand”, he said
Thailand will play Vietnam at home on Sept 5 at 7:00pm before taking on Indonesia on Sept 10.