BANGKOK (23 Dec 2012) – Despite losing the final of the AFF Suzuki Cup to Singapore last night, Thai chief coach Winfried Schaefer feels that it is important for them to bring their game to the next level.
He said that while the loss was difficult to swallow, Thailand must make sure that they maintained the current squad and develop them further.
“We lost the championship in Singapore. We tried very hard today. Singapore goalkeeper (Mohd Izwan Mahbud) was on the ground then it was no. 8 (Shahdan Sulaiman) and no. 17 (Shahril Ishak). They spent a lot of time on the ground. But it is correct that Singapore are the champions,” said Schaefer.
“It’s okay. We will just have to work for the next level. Now everybody have to fight for the national team.
“We had a big gap between the game against Oman and then playing in the AFF Suzuki Cup. We only played a few test matches which is not enough. We need to play against Japan, South Korea and more matches for experience.
“We need more quality matches.”
Schaefer added that Thailand were a bit unlucky for the second goal even though several players got the chance to find the back of the net after Kirati Kaewsombut nailed the opener at the tail end of the first half.
“Some players cried after the loss, they feel for the national team and that is important. We need to build on this,” he added.
“We have managed to build idols for the new young players and we need this. We have enough talent in Thailand and the future is open. And I want us to go up.”
Pix by Thananuwat Srirasant (World Sport Group)
