Madam Pang makes waves in Thai football

Coach Masatada Ishii was fired by Madam Pang and the Football Association of Thailand (FAT).

The statement from Ms. Pang explained the reason for terminating the contract with the Japanese strategist and appointing Anthony Hudson as interim head coach. This is a step to reassure fans and affirm the commitment to developing Thai football. However, it has not stopped the football community in the land of the golden pagoda from boiling. Many people even criticized Ms. Pang and FAT.

Ms. Pang emphasized that FAT's decision was based entirely on objective statistics, without any prejudice. Coach Ishii's winning rate was only 53%, lower than his predecessor Mano Polking (56%). "We use scientific indicators to measure, not personal bias," Ms. Pang announced. This evaluation is carried out by the technical committee, focusing on overall performance and comparing with previous stages.

FAT asserted that the termination of Ishii’s contract was completely legal and within the employer’s rights. The board of directors invited Mr. Ishii to discuss and clearly analyze his performance, and requested the termination of the contract.

Ms Pang stressed that the process was conducted with respect and courtesy, in compliance with the terms of the contract. In particular, FAT paid Ishii a compensation equivalent to half of the remaining total salary until the end of the contract term, demonstrating fairness.

When appointing Ishii, FAT set clear targets for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, the team nicknamed "War Elephants" could not pass the second qualifying round. Besides, the failure to win the 2024 ASEAN Cup was also considered a big disappointment.

Masatada Ishii at the technical analysis meeting on October 21.

Ms. Pang expressed regret: "These results did not meet expectations, and we could not wait any longer." In June, after the 1-3 loss to Turkmenistan - a big shock in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers - the FAT technical committee proposed an immediate change of coach. However, due to the urgent time and not having time to choose a replacement, Ishii was given another chance.

The final decision was made on October 21. Ms. Pang compared: "National team football is not a laboratory. We only have 90 minutes for a match, and the result of winning, losing or drawing all affects the emotions of the fans as well as the success of FAT. As the President, I take full responsibility."

Changing coaches is considered a normal thing by FAT, especially when the team is at a crucial stage. Mr. Anthony Hudson, currently the Technical Development Director of FAT, was chosen as the new interim head coach because he is the most ideal candidate at the present time.

With experience leading national teams such as Bahrain (2013-2014), New Zealand (2014-2017) and the US (interim 2023), along with a deep understanding of the Thai football system, Hudson is expected to bring short-term stability.

Source: https://znews.vn/madam-pang-lam-day-song-bong-da-thai-lan-post1596150.html