Former Japan National Team manager Akira Nishino has been appointed to take up the reigns for the Thailand national team.
After days of speculation, the Thai FA confirmed yesterday that Nishino is set to take charge of the senior national team heading into the 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers. Additionally, the former Gamba Osaka boss will also helm the nation’s U23 team, in preparation for the AFC U23 Championships that Thailand is set to host next year. It is hoped that this move will bring greater cohesion between the senior and U23 teams, allowing for a smoother transition of players.
Nishino replaces caretaker coach Sirisak Yodyardthai, who recently resigned his post after defeats against Vietnam and India in the King’s Cup.
The former Japan boss brings plenty of pedigree and international experience to the job, having led Japan to the Round of 16 of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia despite only having a few months to prepare. Additionally, he added a J.League title in 2005 and an AFC Champions League trophy in 2008 to Gamba Osaka’s trophy cabinet during his impressive nine-year spell at the club.
Over the weekend, Nishino attended Thai League games ahead of negotiations with the FA. He witnessed title chasers Bangkok United play out a 2-2 draw at home against relegation-battling Sukhothai, before seeing defending champions Buriram United lose 1-0 away against Chonburi.
Negotiations took place on Monday when a morning round proved unsuccessful to secure the Japanese boss’ signature. However, the two parties reconvened and announced the deal yesterday evening.
The Thai FA is set to explain the rationale behind Nishino’s appointment and field questions from the media in an upcoming press conference which is yet to be scheduled.