José Lucas Mena Navarro, known as ‘Pato’ (born on March 6, 1967), will assume the role of Thailand’s coach for as long as his health permits. Contingent upon medical approval. The Alicante-based coach has spent the last eight days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a serious condition. Battling bacterial pneumonia triggered by Influenza A.
Last week, his condition reached a critical point, necessitating artificial respiration and inducing a coma.
A bout of infectious fever heightened concerns for the 56-year-old coach’s life. Fortunately, he responded positively to pharmacological treatment.
Relief came when his representative, Raúl Estévez, confirmed the positive development. Estévez also conveyed the family’s hope that ‘Pato’ will soon transition to the recovery phase on a regular floor at the Reina Sofía Hospital in Tudela.
Following his departure as the coach of Movistar Inter in October of the previous year, ‘Pato’ relocated from Madrid to Tudela, his hometown. While exploring various coaching opportunities, he engaged in negotiations with the Thai Federation for a month to lead their team.
Unable to reach an agreement with Miguel Rodrigo to replace César Núñez, Thailand continued its search for a Spanish coach to helm the team in the Asian Cup. Ultimately selecting ‘Pato’ for the role.
Originally set to arrive in Bangkok on Sunday, February 11, for the official presentation as Thailand’s new coach, his trip has been postponed indefinitely pending medical progress.
Boasting two decades of coaching experience with Spanish First Division teams such as Palma, ATP Tudelano, and Movistar Inter, ‘Pato’ eagerly anticipates his inaugural international coaching venture with the Thai national team.
While the specifics of ‘Pato’s’ medical discharge remain undisclosed, Thailand remains committed to their choice. In the interim, Eloy Alonso, who previously served as the assistant coach, will lead training sessions with support from Reza Cordy, an Iranian coach.
ASIAN CUP HOSTS: FOUR WORLD CUP SPOTS ON THE LINE
Thailand will commence preparations for the Asian Cup on Saturday, February 17. The tournament, scheduled in Bangkok from April 17 to 28, will determine the four Asian Football Confederation (AFC) spots designated by FIFA for the Uzbekistan World Cup.
As the host country, Thailand is placed in Group A alongside China, Myanmar, and Vietnam, managed by Argentine coach Diego Giustozzi. Group B features Iraq and Australia. Where a clash of Spanish coaches awaits. With World Cup host Uzbekistan managed by Venancio Lopez and Saudi Arabia led by Andreu Plaza (former Barça coach).
In Group C, Japan, Tajikistan, Republic of Korea, and Kyrgyzstan, guided by Catalan coach Lluis Bernat, will compete. Finally, Group D sees Iran, the top contender, facing Bahrain, Afghanistan, and Kuwait.