Muang Thong Utd fan, Grant Aitken is next up with our 2022/23 season previews.
I think it is a case of building on what we have without losing sight on the longer-term project of
developing the academy lads. It is a fine balancing act to give a clear path to youth players whilst striving to remain competitive. With that being said, I’d be disappointed if we let our top 4 status slip, and to be honest, I do think we have a clearer vision than Bangkok Utd who finished above us last year. I think 3 rd spot is there for the taking, but anything higher than that would probably require a colossus effort and a large slice of luck.
2. How have your pre-season preparations gone?
Having the facility in Korat probably gives us a slight advantage over most teams. Performances have been solid, but I am a little concerned that most players have only played 45-60mins in the friendlies we have had so far. The continuation of the 5 substitutes rules does mean that fitness is less of an issue than in previous seasons, however.
3. What are your thoughts on your team's opening four fixtures?
We’ve got Ratchaburi first up. I’m not a huge fan of them and that is entirely due to one individual in particular! I’m confident I will get your support on that matter too, Dale. They are beatable and I think our recent record against them is pretty good so I’m expecting 3 points and a further 7 from Lampang, Korat and Sukothai.
4. What do you make of your new signings?
Shelling out on Ekanit Panya came as somewhat of a surprise. There’s no doubting his potential,
although I do feel he needs us more than we need him right now. That is probably a testament to the work Mario and his coaching staff have done over the past couple of years. I think it’s great that players will view Muangthong as a place to grow, it certainly wasn’t always the case under previous coaches.
The Korean U20 centre-back Hong Sung-wook was an astute piece of business. He’s Asian so can fill multiple quotas and as a loanee, we can use him sparingly whilst costing the club relatively little investment. I can see other sides copying this template in future transfer windows if it works out well.
Elsewhere, Kenyan international Eric Johanna has looked lively from the glimpses I’ve seen of him in preseason whilst 20-year-old Thai-Dutch left back Ronan Pluijman probably fits into the ‘One for the future’ category.
5. And what about the players you've let go?
There is a feeling of uncertainty with the departure of William Popp. He was a difference maker and somewhat of a talisman for us. He’s going to be hard to replace. I think it will take a collective effort from the front line to chip in with a few more goals and take more responsibility in the final 3rd to compensate for his absence.
6. Which players will have the most impact this season?
I’m hoping it is some of the fringe players. At 24 and 22, respectively, Poramet and Korrawich can no longer be considered rookies. It is time for them to start pushing for starting team spots and chipping in with a few more goals. With 5 substitutions available I also want players like Saharat, Theeraphol and Wongsakorn to prove they are as capable as the starting players. I think all teams need around 16 players of a similar level to be competitive.
7. If you could bring back one of your club's former coaches, who would it be?
Honestly speaking, none that I’ve seen since I started supporting the team in 2013 have had a philosophy as clearly defined as Mario. We play attractive and entertaining football made up primarily of academy graduates. You would have to go back to Jokanovic to find a coach with as much coach conviction in his methods.
8. If you could give your current head coach one piece of advice, what would it be? And your owners?
I’d tell Mario to trust his instincts, they’ve served him well so far. As for the owners, I’d tell them to move quicker. We are heading in the right direction but they could be quicker in responding to the head coach’s needs.
9. Which home games are you most looking forward to?
Buriram, we lost twice last year so it is a matter of pride that we don’t lose again at home.
10. And which away games are you most looking forward to?
I work weekends, so I only get to make a precious few away matches. I usually make Bangkok Utd away but the away view offered up is pretty much an insult. Tero and BG are probably top of the hitlist, whilst I’m hoping one of the fixtures with any of the northern teams falls kindly for me, midweek during the cool season would be ideal.
11. What do you think of your club's new kits?
They haven’t been released yet. There are rumours that we may switch kit suppliers with Warrix being touted as a potential replacement to Shoot. I’m weary, however, that blue kit with the pink trim they produced this year for BG is awful.
12. Who are your favourites to win the league?
I think it should be Buriram. The new foreigners they have recruited are of a high pedigree. There are no guarantees, but if their new players are motivated and deliver then I can’t see other teams being able to match their level.
13. Who else do you think can challenge?
Probably BG 2nd , then I larger group chasing the places from 3rd -7th . I can see BG finishing closer to the 3rd placed team than top spot, however.
14. Who is going down?
Lampang doesn’t look to have invested, I think they’ll struggle. I’d quite like to see Nong Bua suffer from 2nd season syndrome and join them as well. I’d be mildly amused if they have spread themselves too thinly in trying to juggle two T1 sides. I also think Khon Kaen could struggle, their overreliance on Ibson for goals could be their undoing this season.
15. Which team would you most like to beat this season?
Buriram, that’s a given. We owe Khon Kaen Utd a good thrashing too.
16. Who will be this season's surprise package?
I can see Lamphun Warriors being this year’s Nong Bua. Chalermsan keeps his teams well drilled, even if his football is archaic and dull.
17. What changes would you make to improve the Thai league?
Change the FA president. Flip a coin at every major decision and it would make better decisions on the balance of probabilities.
18. Which visiting fans are you most looking forward to seeing at your stadium?
Korat usually bring a solid gathering, it does help elevate the fixture to a certain degree.
19. What are your match day superstitions and routine?
I don’t believe in superstitions, but in regards to a routine I have my favourite area of the stadium I like to sit in. It’s nice to arrive up early and take in the ambiance, but as I mentioned, I’m pretty busy on weekends so that is a luxury I rarely get to experience.
20. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I encourage everyone to get out and support their local club wherever possible. It makes me laugh when people complain that 200 baht is expensive for a ticket. If the football in England cost the same as a couple of shop-bought lagers, then stadiums would need to double their capacities. Fans in Europe and South America think nothing of turning over half their disposable income into following their sports team. If fans over here were more willing to make more financial and emotional commitments to following their team, then they might find their experience is dramatically more heightened than that of following their favourite EPL team from the comfort of their armchair.
No comments:
Post a Comment