My exclusive interview with Prachuap's German born winger, Patrick Reichelt.
I only joined them in January so I can’t really talk too much about the first leg. But I think 11 points speaks for itself. Luckily we were able to turn things around in the 2nd half of the season and stayed up. This was my second last game relegation battle in a row. I’m not sure how many more I'll be able to take!! Nerve-wracking.
How happy are you with your personal performances?
I’ve not had the best personal year, with many small injuries keeping me from regular training with the team, but I can’t wait to start again new next year with Prachuap. I made the decision to leave Suphanburi mid season, after they wouldn’t allow me to join the Philippines national team at the last Suzuki Cup. People were telling me I was crazy to join Prachuap with the situation they were in. But, to be honest, Suphanburi we weren’t doing much better. Looking back, it seems I made the right decision.
Prachuap is a small club and achieved a lot in a relatively short space of time, what do you attribute this success to?
Prachuap FC means everything to their province. It’s a super small town, but they love their football and the club so it transfers to the owners and the players. Therefore, they have the responsibility to give their people the best they can.
The League Cup seems like the poor relation of Thai domestic football. How seriously are Prachuap taking it?
For a club like Prachuap, it’s huge. Even if it’s the least meaningful competition. For the club to be able to fight for a title, especially after a difficult season like that, is a great opportunity.
For many fans, the League Cup semi finals schedule changes, to accommodate SEA Games preparations, were very frustrating. What are your feelings on this?
When I first heard about it I thought people were trying to joke with me because it did sound like an absolute joke. It came as a total shock to me that some people can just decide things like that. In the end there's nothing we can do about it but let’s say the word “frustrated” is to small to describe how I felt about it.
How easy has it been to remain focussed on this match, given the league season ended three weeks ago?
Ha, ha! Not easy to be honest. Especially seeing many of my other friends who play in the Thai league already on vacation. But it’s our job and we have to keep going.
How are your preparations going?
I think it’s not ideal when the coach and club had already made different plans for the break, but everybody is super professional about it in training and we can’t wait to play that semi.
What are your impressions of Chonburi as a club and our performances this season?
Chonburi is a huge club with great history but most importantly they always have talented youngsters coming up their ranks. That’s why I think having more then a handful of quality local players is their big strength. Chonburi had a great start and many I think counted them to be in the top four with some major signings they had. I feel with the potential that’s in that squad, more could’ve been possible.
Which of our players have impressed you the most?
I believe Kritsada will go places in the future. Great personality on the field, at this young age, and an absolute quality player. Yoo was huge for you in the second leg.
What are your expectations for Wednesday's match?
I think everything is possible playing on a neutral ground. We haven't been able to win for a couple of games now, but cup football is a totally different thing. Maybe being defending champions and knowing that the club was able to do it before, could give us a litttle push. My final score prediction is 2-1 to Prachuap, after extra time.
What are your hopes for Prachuap next season and beyond?
Being deep in relegation battles - 2021 with Suphanburi and now again with Prachuap in 2022 - I’m just praying for a less dramatic year. I feel like I aged ten years during those two seasons. Relegation is super stressful! I have another year left on my contract here and will give my best to ensure we are in a better position then we were this season.
What are your personal hopes and ambitions for the future?
I’m 33, turning 34 next year. I don’t feel like that, but I guess that’s what everybody says. My goal is to enjoy every last bit of time I have left in professional sport. Football is the greatest sport and I’m blessed to be able to still play.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Chonburi don’t need this as much as we do! So just give it to us. Ha, ha!!
With thank to Patrick
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