My pre match interview with Muang Thong Utd fan, Stephen Romary.
My expectations are champions of all, FA Cup, league, the league cup, coke cup, and any other cups..- and they do some without a defeat. Realistically, a mid-table finish (6th-7th-8th) - there are just too many reasons getting in the way of anything else. it's possible, but that's the next question.
How do you feel you performed in your opening match?
The first twenty minutes were poor. Conceded a goal very quickly, and no one seemed to know what their role was. Then players got over whatever had been distracting them and began to gel, and some good football followed.
In which areas do you think you need to improve?
Defence - we keep conceding goals, especially when we have a lead. I know others point to a lack of attack, but I don't buy that. Since Mario took charge we average two goals per game. Yes, we lost a key playmaker, but we have others who can now step up and show what they've got.
Our centre back worries continue. Chatchai gets better every game, but Ballini is always injured, and if we can have him healthy we would benefit, especially as he's very good going forward. As well the defensive midfielder role - the player who tracks back and supports the centre backs. Waiting to see the impact of our new signing in this regard.
What are your thoughts on your head coach?
Mario is a player's coach. He brings fun, excitement, energy, fashion(?), to everything. He likes to encourage his players to take chances, try out creative ideas, and to have an attacking mentality. This is the first full season for him and he has time to make an impact. If he does everything right, we'll do much better than mid table. This could be his Jokanovich moment.
And his fashion sense?
Kind of an 80's Euro-Disco mixed with a touch of gangster, and a dash of Pee-Wee Herman. Well it's unique, and one never quite knows what is going to come out the tunnel each match.
On to the weekend. This fixture used to be the biggest in Thai domestic football. Where does it rank now?
The emergence of well-insured clubs with more money than there's rice in Thailand have captured the scene, which is good for the league in growing the fan base. Those who've been around will see the Chonburi-Muangthong games as something to look forward to, due to the legacy factor the teams carry.
Which has been your most memorable MTU v Chonburi match from over the years?
Hard to say. The Dream Team 1-0 win at the SCG Stadium in 2017 was a quality game, and this was Chanathip's season where he really came to be known outside Thailand. I remember also a 1-1 draw away to Chonburi in the middle of the 2018 season, with Kroekrit Thaweekarn and Ciro Alves creating a lot of trouble for us. Both these games stand out as the scoreline was close, and it was never apparent who would come out as the winner. It's going to be similar this weekend I expect.
And which one would you most like to forget?
June 2015 - Playing in Chonburi. We had two red cards handed to us as well as having to face a penalty shot when a call outside the box suddenly became inside the box. We lost the game 2-1, and guess who scored for us: Mario! The controversial nature of the calls led to an explosion of speculation on social media. A game like that robs players on both teams of any credit for their effort and quality. This is the ugly side of football in Thailand, which we've seen a lot less of, don't you think, with VAR? (stirring the pot).
What are you most looking forward to in Sunday's game?
Goals - I think we'll see five or six goals, as both teams have talented players who can finish.
What did you make of Chonburi's performance and result on opening day?
You deserved to win that game as you were the better team. The squad looked organized. I do think Kanuk and Dennis Murillo need to figure out how to work together. The addition of Chatmongkol led to turnovers and pressure. Worachit is great at being in the right place at the right time, but someone give that boy some shooting practice. I'd like to see better coordination in the middle of the pitch as too often the ball was being sent long up the middle or to the wing, usually for Murillo, and that gets very predictable. If these can be resolved Chonburi will compete for a place in the top five.
Which of our players are you most wary of ?
Dennis Murillo is talented. Good with both feet, and smart about where to move. On Sunday we will need to assign someone to basically shadow him and not allow any room.
Which of your players do we need to look out for?
This is the strength of Muangthong - all of them! Anyone can potentially cause trouble. Suporn has a powerful shot when he overlaps on the right. Sardor Mirzaev and Willan Popp can both come out of nowhere to score. Weerathep doesn't always connect on his passes, but he's capable of some sweet set-ups each game. The list goes on. And this is what I like about the Mario style - he encourages the players to be creative, to try something, and there's no one player that opponents can target.
How do you think the lack of a crowd (or reduced capacity - I'm not sure which it will be) will affect the players and the occasion?
The players pick up on the energy of the crowd and always play with a little extra. The game is a shadow of itself without the fan atmosphere. Our first week of fixtures saw many draws and this is a reflection of empty or partially filled stadiums.
These meetings always seem to throw up a controversial incident or two. What do you think Sunday's biggest controversy will be?
VAR - there's going to be another ball-to-hand incident and penalty shot awarded that changes the outcome. With all the benefits of VAR, this needs to change. Defenders cannot defend while handcuffed. The league needs to re-think the ball-to-hand incidents and stop awarding penalties every time it happens.
Would you care to make a score prediction?
Muangthong United will win this one 3-2, but it will not be easy, and the goal will come late.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Mario will not be wearing socks.
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