SEA Games Update by Steve Darby: 2009

Here is national team head coach, Steve Darby's exclusive behind the scenes report from the Thailand squad camp at the 2009 SEA Games in Laos.

SEA GAMES UPDATE 
by Steve Darby (10th December, 2009)
Rather than just give the normal standard answers to the same questions asked on a daily basis. I thought I would show some of the unseen aspects of the SEA Games camp.

Firstly the players have been very professional off the pitch. The living conditions are basic, 4 to a room, no TV, kettle, AC or fridge and no hot water. However, I have not heard one complaint from a player or member of staff. They have accepted that is what the reality is and have adapted in a professional manner. The staff have the same conditions. The reality is that the athletes are the true VIPs.

Also in their off field manner the players have been excellent in their physical preparation. The injured players have done exactly what the physios have ordered. The reality is that players will get "impact" injuries and the treatment is essential as the match schedule is tight. The staff of physiotherapists have been excellent, working very long hours.

Sadly our major injury has been Teerasil (Mui) who got an injury in a football-irrelevant fitness test conducted by SAT four days before we travelled. This injury was highlighted in the media and of course the Vietnamese ensured he was given a warm welcome on his ankle. He has played only 30 minutes so far. But for every injury there is a chance for another player to become a hero and the other strikers have responded in a superb manner scoring goals!

Also we must not forget players who are injured and who would have been here such as Ronnachai (Sam) and Bek of Muangthong

We have tried to establish self discipline in the squad, with rules being established by the players so they have ownership. This includes what they wear to meals, bed times, use of hand phones etc. Rather than treat men of 22 like children they have been treated like professional players and the response has been excellent. I took a phone call at 10.30pm one night and every player was in their room with no sounds emanating.

Also Zico (who will be an excellent national coach in the future) often has an early morning session for training at 7am. No player has missed when requested to be there. It is a myth about "Thai Time" these players are punctual.

I've also managed to watch a number of other sports training and we can certainly pick up ideas from Sepak Takrow (flexibility) and Boxing (upper body strength). Though the Thai football team always has many people coming to watch them train as well. We have also tried to establish a psychological concept called a "Team Bubble" where all players and staff are together in everything we do. Hence you often see our kit man Sonnai involved in warm ups. If every player worked as hard as our kit man and masseur they would be world beaters!

It was great to see Kawin (Tong) given the magnificent honour of being the flag bearer for Thailand, his coach Nippol was exceptionally proud of him. Tong is a young man with ambition and the correct ethic and attitude. I know he will go a long way in the game. Nippol sets the highest standards and Tong and Ukrit are meeting them.

At the moment we are top of our group and were devastated by the 90th minute penalty that meant we drew v Vietnam. We have to beat Malaysia. No coach can guarantee results but I can guarantee preparation from the staff and maximum effort and enthusiasm and desire to win from the players. I hope the whole of Issan comes across the border and makes it a home game for us.

There are thousands of Vietnamese here, the Thai fans who are here are tremendous and very supportive. The players appreciate the support and always sign autographs and have photos taken. Lets fill the stadium on the 11th with Thais!

Remember some of these players will be in the 2014 World cup Qualification squad, but the reality the bulk of these players will be the World Cup 2018 Squad. As players peak about 28 these players will be that age in 2016 when the qualifications begin. We must start planning and thinking this far ahead, the Italians, Argentineans and Germans do. We must instill best practice and quality preparation habits into these players. On behalf of the players and Staff a big thank you for all your support so far.