Thailand Under-23 team head coach Worawut Srimakha admits that his team may struggle to defend their crown in next month’s SEA Game, which takes place in Malaysia.
In the football competition of the Games, defending champions Thailand have to compete in the so-called “group of Death” with Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Timor-Leste, and Cambodia.
“It is a tough draw for our team because every team in the group has almost the same potential, said Worawut, who has been entrusted with the task of guiding Thailand to their third straight SEA Games football gold medal, as quoted by Bangkok Posts.
“I am worried after seeing the draw, to say the least,” he added.
On the other hand, former Thailand international has set the target for his team to make the semi-finals.
“Our first goal in the tournament will be to make it to the semi-finals. I don’t care who we face in the semi-finals. If it has to be Malaysia then so be it,” the coach told the press.
“Right now, I focused on devising game plans for so many matches. I am more concerned about winning matches than playing beautiful and attractive football.”