Coach Akira Nishino has just participated in the torch travel for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan. Mr. Nishino was the coach of the Japanese Olympic men's football team participating in the 1996 Olympics. At that time, Japan beat Brazil 1-0 in the group stage, creating a huge shock.
He is expected to return to Thailand on July 20 and have an important meeting with the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) about his future. The relationship between Mr. Nishino and FAT is not good, after the Thai team failed to qualify for the second qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup. Chairman FAT - Mr. Somyot Boompanmuang - even "lying" to the public that he could not contact Mr. Nishino.
Mr. Nishino's contract with FAT is valid until the end of January 2022. In the worst case, the former Japan national team strategist will be fired. However, that was not his wish.
"I have had more interesting experiences than ever in the past 2 years. It gave me challenges I had never experienced before when working abroad. I still want to continue to challenge myself abroad once again" - Siam Sport quoted Mr. Nishino.
Coach Nishino has been leading the Thai team since July 2019, a year after he helped the Japanese team reach the round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup. This strategist is highly appreciated for his ability, but has not been able to help Thai football improve.
He emphasized that the work at the Thai national team has its own difficulties and advantages. He still wants to lead the "War Elephants" towards the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. FIFA has expanded the number of teams participating in the 2026 World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, so Asia will have 8.5 places to participate in the World Cup instead of 4.5 places as at present.
That will increase the opportunities for football regions like Thailand. Setting such a goal, but Mr. Nishino's future is not guaranteed. Things will be clarified after he works specifically with FAT this July.
