Bangkok Utd warn Kirins of rough ride
True Bangkok United coach Mano Polking fired a veiled warning to SCG Muang Thong United, telling the Kirins to expect a higher level of resistance in their first Thai League 1 outing tonight.
The new season kicked off last night with Ratchaburi visiting defending champions Buriram United.
Muang Thong and Bangkok United square of fina clash that pits the second- and third-placed finishers of the 2017 season.
Bangkok United were among the most active clubs in the transfer market as they signed four new players to strengthen their squad.
For the Kirins, it will be their first game without striker and former skipper Teerasil Dangda, who has joined Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and left back Theerathon Bunmathan, who has moved to Vissel Kobe.
They have also lost t heir firstchoice goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan, who has left to play for Belgium second division side Oud-Heverlee Leuven (OHL).
Bangkok United coach Polking said the Kirins will face a fiery encounter. “Last year, we lost the home and away legs to them, but it is going to be different this time. We have made several changes to the team.
“It is our first game. We will definitely be trying our best to get three points at our home ground.”
Muang Thong coach Totchtawan Sripan was also confident that his men are ready to kick off the new season on a winning note.
However, Totchtawan added: “We have to check the fitness of many players, including defender Celio Santos, who was injured during the AFC Champions League match with Kashiwa Reysol two weeks ago.
“Moreover, we don’t have Teerasil, Theerathon and Kawin with us anymore, so we have to make changes to our tactics.
“But we are ready for life without these stars and are looking forward to our first game with Bangkok United.”
Sarach Yooyen, who has been appointed as the new captain of the Kirins, said: “It will not be an easy work for our team against Bangkok United. We will be playing away which is always difficult.”