The Malaysian striker offer updates on life at LEO Stadium ahead of next month’s Thai League return.
Norshahrul Idlan, 34, joined BG Pathum United (BGPU) from Pahang at the beginning of the 2020 season but is yet to find the back of the net in 2 appearances for The Rabbits. The striker, who started in the friendly draw against the reigning Thai FA Cup Champions Port FC on the 31st of July, admits he is slightly disappointed with his overall performance thus far but is determine to prove himself when football resumes in September.
“I am happy with this training camp at the Wishing Tree Resort in Khon Kaen” The 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup winner told BGPUTD “To be honest, everything has been great since I arrived at BG Pathum United. It is special. The team dis well-run and packed with [on-field] quality. We are like family here, the teammates helped me adapt a lot and I hope I can repay them with on-field performances.”
“I am quite disappointed with myself because I didn’t play as well as expected. Now I am trying to adapt to what the coach ask of me, whatever the position. I want to prove to everyone and bring out the best in me. I’ll my teammates and the fans as well. I can’t wait for the Thai League to return.”
Norshahrul was part of the squad at travelled to a special pre-season camp in the Northeast of Thailand and recently took part in a closed-door loss to second-tier side Nongbua Pitchaya FC. Chenrop Samphaodi joined from Port FC and a Japanese attacker is about to signed soon – add Surachat Sareepim and Siroch Chatthong to the list and you can see why Norshahrul really needs to fight for game time.
Despite excelling in the second-striker role for Tan Cheng Hoe’s Malaysia, Norshahrul were, for the most part, deployed out wide. BGPU head coach Dusit Chalermsan has spoken of his general contentment with defence and midfield but is expecting more from his attackers.
The signing of Sarach Yooyen and Andres Tunez, 2 former captains of SCG Muangthong United and Buriram United respectively, has elevated BG Pathum United to title challenger status. The club is undefeated and conceded the fewest goals from the first 4 games pre-lockdown. Judging from pedigree, Norshahrul is up there with the best in the squad. Reporter Suradech Manvimon also revealed that the squad have great faith in Norshahrul’s quality since day one of training. It’s a shame he might get to play in his preferred position but when fans look at Norshahrul, what they see is the man who guided Malaysia to the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup final and one of the tournament’s best XI.
The real Norshahrul is yet to land in the Thai League but Dusit, his teammates, the supporters and, maybe the most important one of all, the management will be expecting him soon.