Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe SEA Editor
Muangthong United have appointed former Buriram, Chiangrai and Thailand U23 head coach Alexandre Gama to take up the reigns at the club after South Korean coach Yoon Jong-Hwan departed the by mutual consent with the board.
The Kirin have struggled this season, and find themselves second from bottom in the table after collecting only 11 points from their opening 13 games – a far cry from their usual standards.
Having won three FA Cups, two League Cups, and two Thai League titles, Coach Gama promises to bring Muangthong back to their regular standards and fight once again for the highest honors in the country.
“The reason is very simple. Muangthong is a historic club, a big club in Thailand,” coach Gama explained. “I have been here for five years, and when we received the opportunity to work at this club, we could not say no. I believe we can help a lot and we together, the players and the fans, can do very well.”
“I am very hungry for more titles, and more challenges, and I am here to achieve this.”
Coming into a club that has struggled a lot this season, the pressure will be on Coach Gama from day one. However, the Brazilian remains confident and unfazed by the difficult circumstances.
“I have been a coach for a long time, I like the pressure. I like to work under pressure because, for me, I work better.”
Before taking his current role, Gama took charge of the Thai U23 National Team, with the aim of guiding them to the Olympics. However, his time with the young War Elephants was cut short, as he resigned to take on this new role.
“The Olympic team is amazing, I like the players, and I believe a lot in these players. It is a big year for [players of] their age. But this is Muangthong.”
Coach Gama also stressed his desire to have “daily contact with the players,” mentioning that he feels a lot happier coaching at club level.
In explaining the rationale for his appointment, Muangthong United Director of Football Ronnarit Suewaja cited Gama’s trophy haul, experience in Thailand, and his familiarity with the players as key reasons why he was chosen for the job. While stressing urgency, he added that the Brazilian coach’s contract spans over multiple seasons, as the club are now looking for stability to facilitate their return to the top.
Gama has only a few days to prepare for his first game, as the Kirin travel to face Chonburi this Sunday when the Thai League resumes.