“I was born in Ayutthaya, which is why it is easy for me to help them,” Santi explained. “They have a good city, near Bangkok and everything. They have good fans also, who support [the team]. I want to [bring] Ayutthaya up [in terms of] football.”
Santi has wasted no time in getting the wheels turning on that particular project, using his old Muangthong connections to recruit new players for the squad. Having already reunited with Kirin legend Datsakorn Thonglao and former South Korea international Lee Ho, two incredible signings for a club in T2, the emphasis is now turning towards youth.
“With the young players, when they don’t have a chance to play, they try to speak with me.” Santi described his plans to bring budding stars from his former club, as well as other top-flight clubs with excesses of talent. “They want to show [their ability]. Some players are 22 or 23 years old, and they want to play.”
His emphasis on youth demonstrates his desire to lead the club for the long term, but Santi is not getting ahead of himself. “I like [to stay] with a club, like I did with Muangthong” he explained. “I don’t like to change clubs, I’d prefer to stay longer. I will try my best to stay at Ayutthaya.”
However, he was quick to add: “Football can change every day. You could have a contract for six years, but if you lose five or six games you can’t stay in that contract. That is why I try my best [to get] good results.”
With just over a month left to prepare his side for the Thai League restart, Ayutthaya United’s recent moves could make them outside contenders for a playoff spot. However, the focus remains on the long term; with Santi’s approach to tactics, recruitment and player development, as well as the vast experience he accumulated during his years at Muangthong, it appears that the future of football in the Ayutthaya province is in good hands.