Schaefer focused on Oman

Thailand coach Winfried Schaefer says he is not worried by his side’s 3-1 King’s Cup loss to South Korea’s under-23 team on Sunday.

Instead, the German is turning his attention to next month’s crucial World Cup qualifier with Oman.

With one game to play in Group D, Australia have clinched their progress with 12 points, but second place is up for grabs with Saudi Arabia (six points), Oman (five) and Thailand (four) all in the running.

Saudi Arabia face a difficult away trip to Australia in the final matchday on February 29, meaning a Thailand victory in Oman could see them progress.

However, Sunday’s loss to the Korean Olympic team hinted the side have plenty of work to do, although Schaefer insisted the defeat was the result of a lack of fitness and resting key players such as Teerasil Dangda.

“The Koreans played with very quick movement and the fitness of our players was a big problem,” Schaefer said.

“However, our main target remains the World Cup qualification match with Oman on February 29.”

The Thai Premier League, where most of the team ply their trade, is still in season while the domestic FA Cup was played last week.

“Before the match, I told the players that although South Korea had brought their Olympic team, we couldn’t underestimate them at all. This is because they have been playing together for a long time and they are very fit,” Schaefer said.