Update : Coach ‘Zico’ resigns after disastrous campaign

The former national striker announced his abrupt departure from the national post he has held since 2013 on his Instagram account just days after his charges slumped to a 40 defeat away to Japan on Tuesday, their sixth defeat in seven group games in the last12 team round of Asian qualifying for 2018 finals in Russia.   
Since the team’s return from Japan on Wednesday, Kiatisak’s future had been the subject of intense media speculation even though the trainer, who initially took charge of the team in a caretaker capacity following the departure of German veteran Wilfried Schaefer, had signed a oneyear extension to his contract last month.
“I would like to thank for all the support that my staff and I have received over the past four to five years. It’s the ultimate honour for me to have a chance to work as the coach of the national team.
“Today, I would like to announce my decision to end my role as the national team trainer. I’ll clear all the work for the employers within 90 days.
“I’m thankful to every player, my coaching team, all the fans as well as my family for always standing by my side,” the 43yearold wrote on his Instagram page, coach_zico. 
Earlier yesterday, the president of the Football Association of Thailand Pol General Somyot Poompanmuang had hit back at Kiatisak, saying he does not have the right to disband the squad because of their faltering campaign in the World Cup qualifiers as suggested by the beleaguered trainer.
Somyot’s outburst came in response to Kiatisak’s comment that it was up to the Thai FA boss whether to discard the playing squad and the coach following their disastrous campaign in the last12 team round of the Asian qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
While stating that he could not make such a change across the board after the Kingdom managed only a single point from seven group games to lie at the bottom of Group B standings, Somyot made it clear it was well within his right when it comes to the coaching position.
“The idea to sack Zico [Kiatisak’s nickname] did not cross my mind when I was on board the plane [back from Japan]. But, I was stung when I saw a photo on social media along with the caption “the decision to discard the team and the coach is up to the president”.
“I never said that I would fire the coach or disband the team. Of course, I’m entitled to decide whether to dismiss the trainer, but not the squad. So, don’t hold me to ransom. If there any player is left out of the team in the next tournament, would people not think it’s because of me?” 
“I made it clear when I took office that it’s my job to look after the players when it comes to their travel and accommodation. But, it’s down to the coach when considering the squad. I never tell him to pick anyone.
“But, for him to say ‘it’s up to the president to dissolve the team’, would I not become a culprit in their eyes immediately or would it not mislead people into thinking I’m the person behind everything?”
The Thai FA boss also confirmed that the association would not have to pay compensation if they decide to part company with Kiatsiak even though the former national striker had just signed a oneyear extension to his contract last month because the team’s performances fell short of the expectation.