Thailand U-22 captain Chenrop Samphaodi defended his side from heavy social media criticism for the team’s unconvincing performance at SEA Games.
“Coach Worrawoot [Srimaka] called me today,” said Chenrop to the Bangkok Post, “and asked me to appease the other players.
“There are many players in the team who are still young and have never faced this kind of criticism.
“But it seems that everyone in the team is mentally strong and ready to get through these difficulties together.”
Despite being in contention of a semi-final slot, two-time defending champions Thailand still lag behind their strongest rivals Vietnam, who have nine points from three consecutive wins and score a total of 12 goals.
The Worrawoot’s men, who are standing third in Group B with 7 points, will have a chance to improve their position via the next group stage match against Indonesia on Tuesday.