by Gian Chansrichawla
18th February, 2017
2016 will be a year to remember for fans of SCG Muangthong United. After 3 years in the shadow of arch-rivals Buriram, the Kirins rose up to finally reclaim the coveted Thai League trophy.
While their detractors may claim that Muangthong’s path to success was cleared by the capitulation of their rivals Buriram - who’s seemingly endless slump saw them rotate through three managers and lose one of their best players - Muangthong’s impressive record suggests that they are wholly deserving of their title.
The side faced a tough start last season, losing consecutive home games to local rivals BEC Tero Sasana and Bangkok United, which left them 5th in the table. Despite the slow start, a winning run spanning 14 games followed, handing the side in red the initiative in a tough title race. Bangkok United chased the Kirins down to the wire, but ultimately they capped off an impressive season with 26 wins from 31, 73 goals scored, 24 goals against and a grand total of 80 points.
However, Muangthong’s defense of their title will be far from routine. Buriram United, who aim to “strike back” under new management, will be in the hunt to win back the title which they have held in their hands for so many years. Despite losing captain Andres Tunez, Buriram added to their squad and have come through a grueling pre-season schedule with many favorable results.
Buriram will not be the only team standing in the way of Muangthong and their second consecutive title. Bangkok United have established themselves as a rising force in Thai football, and have shown that they have as much bite as they do bark with their activity in recent transfer windows. The side have improved their league standing every year under manager Alexandre Polking, and they certainly have the ambition to build on their second place finish.
But possibly the most enigmatic opposition that Muangthong face comes in the form of Chiang Rai United. The side from the north made national headlines by breaking the Thai transfer record for Muangthong’s defensive midfielder Tanaboon Kerasat, who’s move up north cost no less than 50 million Baht. The side added to this by importing a whole new Brazilian spine to their team, as well as a host of other up-and-coming Thai players. It is yet unknown whether they can turn their spending into success, but the early signs look promising.
However, the main hit for Muangthong has come in the form departures from their own club. While Tanaboon’s transfer represents a tidy profit on a player who isn’t irreplaceable, it is a shame for Muangthong that the man who has drawn comparisons to Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets will not be spending his best years at the SCG Stadium. The real hit for the club will come in the departure of fan favorite Chanathip Songkrasin, who is set to go on loan to Japanese side Consadole Sapporo in the summer. While it is a move that will certainly advance the status of Thai football, it will have a definitively negative impact on Muangthong’s chances of retaining their title. It also seems that last season’s top scorer, Cleiton Silva, is likely to depart to the Chinese Super League (a move that has now been confirmed - ed).
Lastly, Muangthong’s focus is likely to be shifted to the AFC Champions League, as the side aim to get out of the group stage of the continental competition for the first time. Given the strength of their opponents and the loss of some key stars, manager Totchtawan Sripan faces a tough test if he aims to lead his side to yet another title.
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