Thai fans' reaction when FAT suddenly fired coach Masatada Ishii

(Dan Tri) - Thai fans were surprised when the Thai Football Association (FAT) terminated the contract with Japanese coach Masatada Ishii on October 21.

"I wonder what the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) is thinking? I think Masatada Ishii is leading the team quite well. The next match of the national team is less than a month away. Why did they suddenly fire him?", Thai account Vittavat Tanyaviboon expressed on the FA Thailand page about the FAT's confusing decision.

Accordingly, on October 21, FAT officially announced the termination of the contract with the national team head coach Masatada Ishii. FAT explained that the termination of the contract was the result of "a professional assessment process by the technical department", as well as that "Coach Ishii's working orientation is no longer consistent with the long-term development plan of Thai football".

The FAT's decision also shocked the Japanese coach himself, as the 58-year-old coach had just met with the FAT in the morning to discuss professional issues, but in the afternoon he received a "dismissal notice".

Coach Masatada Ishii (far right) was fired just hours after a professional meeting with FAT on October 21 (Photo: FA Thailand).

Coach Ishii was appointed to lead the Thai national team from December 2023, replacing coach Mano Polking. In nearly two years in office, he led the "War Elephants" to a total of 30 matches, winning 16, drawing 6 and losing 8, achieving a winning rate of 53%. Under Masatada Ishii, Thailand scored 58 goals and conceded 34.

Many Thai fans were surprised by FAT's decision to fire the Japanese strategist.

"Masatada Ishii made the national team stronger, developed tactical skills for more players, brought in many quality players. Names include Seksarn Ratri, Irfan Dorola, Jonathan Thanawat, Thitathorn, Krishta, Kakna, Tharongwut, Prometh, Krakat, Anant, Akphong, Ben Davis, James Barenford, Patrick Guttafson.

He was very diligent in watching Thai League matches to discover talent. He had a methodical direction for developing the team, but in the end he was fired. I lost faith in FAT. I am very disappointed with this firing decision," commented Just The Wheel PiK Are.

"He just helped the Thai team have two consecutive victories in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Taiwan. But he was suddenly fired. Why not give him a chance until his contract expires, or at least until the end of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. FAT's actions seem very unprofessional," said Naiwinit Mai.

"He helped the national team win 16 out of 30 matches? How many more matches does FAT want to win to be satisfied? Is it 20, 25 or 30? What will happen if the Thai team loses the next two matches in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers? Who will be responsible?", PTong CJpapa emphasized.

"This decision is crazy. Where can we find a foreign coach as dedicated as him? I am very disappointed with FAT's decision," Tutor Khor criticized FAT's decision.

"I am very sad and regretful. I really like Masatada Ishii leading the Thai team. He helped me return to watching Thai football after Kiatisak's time. I do not support FAT's dismissal of Ishii at all," One Lumpinee FC account concluded.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/phan-ung-cua-cdv-thai-lan-khi-fat-bat-ngo-sa-thai-hlv-masatada-ishii-20251021221854066.htm