Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe SEA Editor
Muangthong host title-chasing Bangkok United on Sunday night, in a game that could be crucial in determining their credentials for victory.
The two sides usually compete together at the top end of the table, but tonight’s clash will have a slightly different complexion as the teams have had vastly differing fortunes so far this season.
Bangkok United remain second and are among the favorites to challenge Buriram for the title, while the Kirin have found themselves in the relegation zone, hoping to turn their fortunes around with the appointment of Alexandre Gama. Their revival in recent weeks, as well as the arrival of new signings Derley, Bruno Gallo and Daisuke Sato, mean that they pose a formidable threat to the Angels’ title aspirations in spite of their league position.
“Gama is the most successful foreign coach in the Thai league and his records speaks for itself,” Bangkok United coach Mano Polking said ahead of this match.
“Especially with Chiangrai in the cups, he was showing a very aggressive and organized defensive approach that is always difficult to beat,” he added.
The contrast between the two coaches is clear, and it is a challenge that Mano relishes. “We have totally different styles to play and it seems his ones are working better,” he commented, adding that he’s “sure that the BU style will start winning many titles soon.”
If they are to win that coveted title though, Mano Polking’s side are going to need a positive result tonight, against one of the league’s most astute tacticians.
Alexandre Gama first arrived in Thailand on the same month that Polking took up his current role at the Bangkok United, and clashes between the two have typically produced fascinating encounters. Mano won the first tactical battle between the two, but since then Gama has had the advantage, taking five wins compared to Polking’s three.
Crucially, Gama’s Chiangrai United denied Polking his first ever trophy as a manager in the 2017 FA Cup final at the Supachalasai Stadium. A victory tonight could well put Bangkok United on the path to redressing that failure, while a loss could turn this title race into an uphill battle for the Angels.