In a recent interview with AFC on the development of Thai national team, Therdsak Chaiman believes the team is not ready to feature in a World Cup.
“We are close, I’m not saying we can go now. We have to do it right. In terms of playing guidelines and fitness training. We need to develop is the youth system in Thailand as well,” said Therdsak.
“I dreamed that I would go to the World Cup once as a national team player. So I hope we are able to go to the World Cup, maybe not in the next four years, but 10-20 years ahead or any day that we have the opportunity. Now we have to develop our football league to be stronger.”
Thailand are currently at the bottom of Group B in the third qualification round for 2018 World Cup, with just 1 point from 5 matches. The War Elephants will host Saudi Arabia in the 6th match of Group B on March 23.
Therdsak believes the development of the Thai League has helped strengthen the national team.
“The Thai national team has developed a lot since we have a good league. We have quality foreign players. They contributed to the development of Thai players. Whether a player is from Brazil, Europe or Africa we can learn from them,” said the player-manager of Chonburi FC.
“I do not think Thai players should go to Europe. Because you should start from the top league in Asia. We should be gradual. Developed from Asia first. If a player go to an European club, it might be to difficult for him to adapt,” Therdsak added.