Thai players fully fit for Asian Cup, says coach

Head coach Chatchai Paholpat says the national team will be more than 120 per cent fit before the Asian Cup kicks off in China later this month.

Although there are only 15 players, Chatchai said yesterday that he has faced no problems preparing the Thai side.

“I’ve not only focused on the physical fitness of the Thai players, but the tactics also. Our team is in the group of death in this competition, that’s why we have to make a perfect preparation,” he said.

“I guarantee that all members of the squad will be more than 120 per cent fit before going to China. They can run throughout 90 minutes,” he added.

Asked about the playing formation and tactics for the competition, Chatchai said he will use an offensive plan but will not forget to protect the goal.

“All three matches in the preliminary stage against Iran, Japan and Oman respectively are very important for our team. We have to win to get the faith of the local fans. That’s why we decided to use an offensive plan,” he said.

The Asian Cup will be held from July 17 to August 7 in China. The Thai side are in Group D, which includes defending champions Japan, Iran who just won the WAFF title, and Oman.

Meanwhile, Krungthai Bank have won the Thai League title for the second year in a row despite having one match to play.

Their come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Bangkok Bank at the Thep Hassadin stadium yesterday also assured Krungthai Bank of a place in next season’s AFC Champions League. Beckenbauer Sue-Intr put Bangkok Bank ahead in the 19th minute, but the title holders bounced back with two goals in three minutes through Rangsan Wiwatchaichoke in the 69th minute and Kritsana Wongbutr in the 71st.

Krungthai, who next week face Bangkok University in their final match, are well ahead of their nearest rivals, BEC Tero Sasana and Port Authority of Thailand.

Port Authority yesterday suffered a 1-0 shock defeat to relegation strugglers the Royal Thai Air Force at the Port Authority of Thailand stadium.

Although BEC Tero moved to second position with 31 points from 17 games, they surrendered the title to Krungthai Bank because of a massive goal difference.

BEC Tero beat the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly 2-1 at the 

Thai-Japan Youth Welfare Centre Stadium.

In other matches at the same venue, Bangkok University ousted Sinthana 2-1, while Osotspa sunk the Thai Navy 4-1.