My pre match interview with Muang Thong Utd fan, Rick Yap.
Top 4 in the league and a cup final.
How do you feel you performed in your opening match?
Conceding so early in the game is never a good thing. We did well in the second half, but the game management towards the end was not good once again and we dropped two points. It was a bad performance in my opinion.
In which areas do you think you need to improve?
Defence is a big issue for us. Grant, Gian and Stephen have been voicing their concerns about the team's defensive problems as well. I hope to see the defence playing smart. Sometimes you've just got to clear the ball into row Z and get the job done instead of having to play out from the back all the time.
What are your thoughts on your head coach?
He knows the players mentality well enough to get the best out of them. The club owner is a veteran when it comes to Thai football and offering a 3 year contract to Mario is a good indication of his trust in the coach's abilities.
And his fashion sense?
His fashion sense is definitely of European league standards. He should be given an award for adding glamour to Thai League.
On to the weekend. This fixture used to be the biggest in Thai domestic football. Where does it rank now?
I think it would be the 2nd biggest fixture on the calendar due to Muangthong's style of play and Chonburi's quality this season. I expect both teams to go for all 3 points and that would bring some shine back to the Thai El Classico.
Which has been your most memorable MTU v Chonburi match from over the years?
Muangthong winning 4 - 2 in 2015 was a match that I enjoyed, with some really good goals being scored.
And which one would you most like to forget?
There's not a single match that would haunt me. Winning and losing is part of football.
What are you most looking forward to in Sunday's game?
Muangthong's attacking flair against a much improved Chonburi's defence and likewise Chonburi's new attack against our weak defence. A bonus would be some touch line antics by both team's equally crazy head coaches.
What did you make of Chonburi's performance and result on opening day?
Chonburi dropped two points on opening day in my opinion. Coach Sasom showed way too much respect for BG and failed to capitalise from the red card. It was an opportunity lost. Imagine how much of a boost to player's morale if you beat the defending champions on opening day. However, this is definitely the strongest Chonburi squad since I followed Thai League. Good foreign players and a promising bunch of youth. I can't see Chonburi flirting with relegation this time round and if Coach Sasom finds the right mix, a top 4 finish might be possible.
Which of our players are you most wary of ?
It has to be Gidi Kanyuk. He has found his feet in the league and having played with Dennis at Korat, the pair would have some sort of an understanding between them. If Gidi and Worachit are on form they can hurt any team on any day. Young Songchai reads the game well for his age and is a joy to watch in defence, but he will be an eyesore for me this Sunday!
Which of your players do we need to look out for?
Weerathep is our player to look out for. He has been given a important role this season. Everthing starts with him and if he get things moving in midfield, we will create and score. But if he gets marked out for the whole game we will struggle for sure.
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?
No fans or less fans puts a damper on the occasion, but I think the players have got used to that and I am sure they are glad just to be able to play football right now.
These meetings always seem to throw up a controversial incident or two. What do you think Sunday's biggest controversy will be?
The VAR room might be a part of controversy and maybe coach Sasom would be the first to kick things off at the pre match conference. I have a feeling there will be penalties awarded in this match.
Would you care to make a score prediction?
Muangthong Utd 2 Chonburi 1
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I am happy to see that even with the long off season break, the interest in Thai League did not wane on Twitter. Kudos to editors like yourself and many others out there for a job well done. With Covid-19 still on a rampage, things have not been easy. We should also give credit to the Thai FA and club owners for keeping it alive. Look at Samut Prakan City playing without a club sponsor. Full marks for effort there. And lastly, stay safe everyone.
Rick's All Time Chonburi/Muang Thong Utd Combined XI
GK Kawin Thamsatchanan (MTU)
RB Tristan Do (MTU)
CB Naoaki Aoyama (MTU)
CB Chonlathit Janthakham (Chonburi)
LB Chatmongkol Rueangthanarot (Chonburi)
RM Heberty (MTU)
CM Sarach Yooyen (MTU)
CM Worachit Kanitsribampen (Chonburi)
LM Kroekrit Thaweekarn (Chonburi)
FW Leandro Assumpcao (MTU & Chonburi)
FW Thiago Cunha (Chonburi)
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