Coach Sritaro: 'Thailand U23 still has many weaknesses'

Yesterday's victory helped Thailand get off to a good start. They are ranked second in Group A, because Cambodia won the weakest team in Brunei 5-0.

However, coach Issara Sritaro said that the harmony of the players only reached 60% to 70%. "The players still have many weaknesses such as coordination or decision-making from the bottom line," said the 43-year-old military leader. "We have to quickly fix it before we face a stronger opponent."

Coach Sritaro led Thailand U23 to win the 32nd SEA Games silver medal in Cambodia. At this tournament, the squad changed almost completely, only two outstanding faces were defender Songchai Thongcham and striker Yotsakorn Burapha.

The quality of the squad is not as good as the 32nd SEA Games, but according to coach Sritaro, the players have a desire to prove themselves. Besides, this is a good opportunity for Thailand to test new players before heading to the Asian U23 qualifiers 2024 and ASIAD 19.

Thailand is in Group A with Cambodia, Myanmar and Brunei, while the other two groups have only three teams. Having to play one more match than the other group, coach Sritaro aims to rotate the squad to ensure fitness.

In the second match, Thailand will face weak opponent Brunei on August 19. Two days later, the team met Cambodia – a match that could determine the top of the group.

*SEA U23 fixtures and results