Nuanphan quits as manager

Nuanphan quits as manager

Manager Nuanphan Lamsam (left) and coach Nuengruethai Srathongwien, watching the women's team competing in the World Cup in Canada last April, say they got no support from above. (File photo)
Manager Nuanphan Lamsam (left) and coach Nuengruethai Srathongwien, watching the women's team competing in the World Cup in Canada last April, say they got no support from above. (File photo)

The Thai women's national team has lost both manager and coach after failing to advance in the Olympic qualifying round.

Thailand lost 2-0 to Vietnam in Mandalay, Myanmar in their final game of Asia's second qualifying round for the 2016 Olympics on Tuesday.

The Thais finished third in the tournament with Vietnam earning a spot in the continent's third and final qualifying round for the Rio Games.

Manager Nuanphan Lamsam announced her resignation Wednesday, one day after coach Nuengruethai Srathongwien stepped down following the defeat.

Nuanphan returned from Myanmar with the team Wednesday and called a press conference at Don Mueang airport.

"I have to shoulder responsibility for our failure,'' said Nuanphan who helped guide the team to this year's Fifa Women's World Cup finals.

"We were under pressure to win a ticket to Olympics after playing at the World Cup."

She said she felt disheartened that women's football did not get proper support from the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) and Thai Premier League (TPL).

While the likes of China, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam have strong domestic leagues, Thailand does not has its own league although the TPL has promised to set up one, Nuanphan said.

"I felt discouraged so I decided to quit,'' she said.

Nuanphan said she had spent nearly 100 million baht for the national team during her six-year spell as manager.

However, Nuanphan is still involved in football as she is CEO of TPL side Port.

Meanwhile, midfielder Chanathip "Messi Jay" Songkrasin is returning to the men's national team after a long-term injury lay-off.

Thailand will face Vietnam in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Hanoi on Oct 13.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (3)