Lots of coverage of Teerasil’s arrival, reception and welcome at Athletico has circulated in Thailand as the brilliant striker embarks on his Spanish adventure. It’s notable that Muangthong have already rebutted suggestions that the move is a “publicity stunt”.
Time will tell if this is the case, but it’s hard not to be cynical. One the one hand, it’s notable that MU are already being linked with other relatively high profile signings and like any Quilins fan, I rate Teerasil hugely and I know he’s capable of playing against top sides. But then, I also know how MTU and Thai clubs operate in general. I remember the club circulating pictures of Pires, Del Piero and others, when - as history shows - contract talks were preliminary if they existed atall. It’s simply a hype game. This is in contrast to the tactic of bigger UK clubs who often use the media to unsettle/attract a player they genuinely wish to sign.
It’s not outrageous to suggest this latest trial is in the interests of swelling the striker’s value. But even if this is the case, let’s hope the European trip provides more benefits than the Manchester City debacle. A club like Athletico could provide top notch training and experience to Mui, whatever the final outcome.
Every season finish since I began this blog, I’ve nominated a player of the season. Normally it’s a tough choice, this year it wasn’t. There was a standout foreigner and standout local. This was clear from the moment I started asking for votes, and is so obvious there’s really no point in any speculation.
When there are clear POTY award winners at a club, its normally for one of two reasons. Either the club’s had a terrible year and one player outshone the slackers (Junhinio at Middlesborough, Pearce at Forest, etc.) or the whole squad have excelled but someone just had the little extra. In a season where we went undefeated in the league, it almost goes without saying that our whole squad have been superb this year.
So without further ado, the 2012 MTU Blog Foreign Player of the Year is....
"Super' Mario Djurvoski
When Mario signed for Muangthong I was - like most MTU fans, probably - hoping he’d fall into the category of “Foreigner who occasionally does things most Thai players can’t”. Instead, he took expectations of foreign players in to a whole new level. At times, Super Mario (I swear, the stadium announcer only started using that nickname after he read my blog) has turned in performances that would not look out of place in a game between EPL teams outside the big five. His footwork, vision and set piece ability have turned the tide on numerous occasions but what’s equally fun to watch is the sheer enjoyment this player has of Thailand and its football. Since day one, he’s loved it. Some of the attacking midfielder’s gamesmanship - like Christian before him - might irk away fans, but it would irk them far less if he didn’t have such ability to go with it.
So congratulations to Mario and with rumours of a record-length contract in he works, we should be able to look forward to more time with him. But can the same be said of the 2012 MTU Blog Thai Player of the Year.........
Teerasil Dangda
“One Man team” was a jeer that Southampton fans had to accept throughout the career of Mathew Le Tissier, but if Thai fans knew that chant, I suspect it would sometimes be directed at The Quilins when we have an off day. Obviously, a title-winning team is never going to be dominated by just one figure but it seems to be so often the case that a below-par performance, a tired looking set of players or simply a bit of bad luck is resolved by a moment of class from Thailand’s best striker. Indeed, it’s such a regular occurrence that I struggle to think of a single, clear-cut example. Cup games, home games against sides set out for a draw, big occasions, you name it, he’as popped up with a goal in the second half. He’s a well-rounded player, too. Good first touch, excellent dribbling, capable if not spectacular in the air, reads the game well, good at build up play, hard-working. There’s no obvious weak point to his game. He is, simply, class. Rumours have been swirling around him for a while and it seems very likely Teerasil will move to a bigger league soon. If so, we can only wish him all the best and be grateful that we saw him play at his peak for so long.
And so we can look towards a new season, an ever more-difficult title defence and old heroes returning and, surely, new ones arriving. Thank you to everyone who voted in the MTU Blog awards this year.
It's Murphy's Law, the game I was forced to miss - couldn't even watch it on TV - is a 1-8 victory away from home. Sadly, Chula are now relegated.
MTUR has a few details. The interview is fairly straightforward, Teerasil says he enjoyed the game and feel great to score his goals. He felt the penalty was well deserved and he expects full-strength sides to play the remaining two games as the club really want to stay undefeated.
Apologies for not reporting on the big game earlier. Actually perhaps I should say "Super Big Match" as it was billed by the Thai media, who have a knack of creating such lovable yet cringe-makingly naive tags. The Man U Vs Liverpool game is billed in True Visions Magazine as the "Mega Red War" for another example.
Chonburi predictably gave us a tough test and came out of the traps fast but on both occasions when they took the lead, that “winning mentality” was enough to pull us back into the game, courtesy of a close range slot in by Adnan and yet another Teerasil moment.
The perfomances of the last two games are actually less important than the results. Both Buriram and Chonburi honorably stated before their respective clashes with us that they were going for a win. They each desperately needed it not only for the points but the change in psyche it could bring about. Neither side got it.
If Chonburi and Buriram battle to a draw in their upcoming fixture - as we must hope - then we surely have one hand on the TPL title.
MOTM: Piyapol Buntao remained active down the right side throughout and caused more than a couple of headaches for The Sharks.
PS Credit to Ben for pointing out the time-wasting they Chonburi seem to employ so often.
Although MTU's interest in Del Piero was released early as a little PR boost, the actual details of these and other ongoing negotiations have been a well-guarded secret even within the club.
At this stage as I have said all along, I don't believe Del Piero will sign and I say that with relief.
However Ronnarit has all but confirmed confirmed the signing of Edivaldo Rojas Hermoza, a Bolivian player out of Naval FC in Portugal.
Also inbound are North Korean Choe Kum-Sol and back-up goalkeeping in the shape of Amarin from Wuachon United.
Most likely out are Christian - that's been on the cards for some time - and Teerasil at the end of the season.
If this all stays as it stands now, I think we can commend MTU on excellent transfers.
You read it here first and today it's official. Nattaporn Panarit is a BEC Tero player. Thanks captain, you were always a true pro.
******
Now, transfer hype surrounded Teerasil Dangda before this season even started and "Mui's" superb performances - including a string of "one man team" displays before the squad hit form - have only served to raise the stakes.
Ben at MTU Replay has spotted a group of Turkish fans descending on one of Mui's youtube clips and declaring the target man "welcome" in Turkey. I seem to recall that Mui is a Muslim and if I'm right, perhaps that might play a part in his choice of destination as he seeks to further his career.
However, a very well placed source (many thanks to that person, as ever) says that Turkey will not be the striker's next stop of choice but everyone now seems resigned to the fact that Teerasil, like Yaya, has reached the point where he needs to leave Thailand to further his career.
That doesn't mean a transfer is around the corner. Kawin has had big teams sniffing around him for over two seasons now, but when the time does come - be it next week or next year - we fans can only wish that the club get the best fee, the best replacement and send the very best of wishes to a fantastic player and a true pro who gave us so much to remember.
Despite its nation-wide prestige the whole Impact Centre is usually overshadowed when MTU play at home. Red shirts fill the food courts and surrounding areas and nobody has any doubt what’s going on. The Motor Show is the one exception to that rule though as the many thousands of men who tell their wives “I’m just looking at the cars, dear” outnumber the fans and create truly awful traffic jams that add a minimum of one hour to any journey by car or one month’s life assurance premium to any journey by motorbike.
To the build up and TOT must be congratulated on a huge impoverishment of away support, going up from twenty or so last season to about one hundred this season. OK that’s still pathetic for a local derby but their club strip looks very smart at least.
Our line up for this one was Kawin (GK), Piyachart (LB), Ri (CB), Panupong (CB), Thitipan (RB), Pitchipong (MD), Mario (MD), (Ekapoom (MD), Siaka (DM/AM), Teerasil (ST), Christian (RW)
Notice the return to our old formation and the absence of both Datsakorn (sub) and Barakat (injured). I didn’t notice who was captain without Nattporn or Datsakorn so if somebody could let me know I’d be grateful. In the TOT goal stood our reserve keeper Weera. I was surprised we didn’t block him from playing in this match.
The first fifteen minutes started superbly. Both Chris and Ekapoom stayed glued to the sidelines, creating massive gaps in a TOT defense that stayed so deep, our entire midfield pushed forward at times. Teerasil’s headed goal after a smart free kick from the super one had already seemed inevitable. The game plan from then on was surely the usual one: force them to push forward, keep exploiting the space on the wings along with the 'one-two' and triangle passes in the middle and let Dagno move from deep to forward to pull them out of position. It felt like it could be five or six to nil by full time.
Sadly, TOT hadn’t read the script but after realising they couldn’t match us on the ground, they resorted to a lot of high-ball attacks that put pressure on our centre backs and giving the underdogs a higher proportion of interceptions from clearances. The attacking flow of the home side fizzled out despite some excellent play by Christian including a superb turn and chest-pass to Teerasil before moving on for the return-pass. The guy really has so much talent when he’s focused.
Before we knew it TOT had equalised at the other end of the stadium following some delayed-reaction defending by our back line. At half time it was 1-1.
In the second half the dirty tricks from TOT began. These included fake injuries, niggles and holding on to the ball when the official had awarded a set piece to the home side. The most frustrating event was a substitution by TOT whereby the outgoing player walked the entire way from the penalty area to the bench at a real snail’s pace while every single official stood, watched and did nothing. They tried this trick a second time shortly after and the outgoing player got a helpful shove from Panupong on his way out.
The chances became rarer for both sides barring a couple of good saves from Weera, a miss by Teerasil and an amazing chip over Kawin that was deflected off the crossbar and head-tapped by Ekapoom out of harm’s way.
The crowning moment came from a great run and finish by Teerasil who saved the day yet again. All that remained after that was a disgusting kung-fu challenge from a TOT player that ignited a usually sanguine Panupong and earned the TOT offender a red card.
The brilliant run and strike from Teerasil felt so good that it has papered over a few cracks in today's fixture. The game started the right way but the midfield somehow lost its way after our first goal. Perhaps it was the absence of Datsakorn (who appeared in the second half), perhaps we needed the park of Barkat. Whatever the reason, I hope Slavisa works on it during the week as we know we were a little fortunate today and with Buriram showing no signs of a let-up, we can’t afford to ride our luck too often this season.
Man of the Match:
An easy shortlist: Kawin pulled off a few fine saves to keep us in the fight but when you have a brace from Teerasil Dangda, including one gem out of the blue, how can you doing anything but sing his praises from the rooftops?
An article on Siam Sport says Teerasil "Mui" Dangda will travel to Madrid to train with Athletico. The same article says Athletico will send a coach to work with MTU.
Well yes, I could make your hangover worse by talking about the loss at Buriram yesterday in the last minute of the game. I could dampen the cheer by pointing out several players apologising for "poor form" on the OS (not the people that should be apologising, mind you) but I'd rather wish everyone a Happy New Year and move on to more positive things.
So after you've seen Robbie's message in the Twitter feed it's time for the Thunderdome Blog's 2011 awards! These awards are by far the least prestigious in football and attract absolutely no stars and cameramen every year. Moreover, the prize for each award is a cup of tea (Twinings or Lipton) awarded to the player as soon as they turn up at my home. The current number of acceptances stands at zero, as of 1/1/2012.
The first award is....
Newcomer of the year
Kayem - great potential
This is a toughie because a lot of new faces arrived in 2011 but the performances were very mixed. Yet despite the setbacks of the year some very encouraging new boys have come through. In the full back slots two very promising baby-faced players made a name for themselves. On the right we had Arthit and on the left we have our winner, Weerawut Kayem. He made his debut last year but really shone this season by holding his own in the big game against PEA at home, proving he had the mental skill as well as the physical. He was recently injured but has now returned. Like Kawin, he seems friendly and humble and that should make for an excellent career.
Goalie or Defender of the year
Nattaporn - not scared of the trenches
Champions should always have quality and depth in this area and MTU are no different. Last year we had Asia's best goalie, Jetsada, Panupong and Nattaporn. This year Zesh took time to adjust but has comfortably filled the void left by the self-destructing Jetsada and the back line is as strong as ever. The recent setbacks have possibly dented the confidence of young Kawin and his form has dipped but Manchester United don't scout players without good reason, he's brilliant and he'll be back to form soon.
What's been really pleasing about this season is the way winner Nattaporn Pannarit stepped up to the plate and took over the captain's armband. Every challenge, every header and every clearance has been battled for by this guy and his performances early in the season were the only thing that's stopped us getting trounced even more often. He's shown real character and deserves the award.
Midfielder of the year
Dagno-catch him if you can
It's not been a great season for our midfielders. Some new signings didn't fit in as well as they hoped - perhaps they haven't been given enough of a chance - and some players didn't have as good as season as last year 2010. But still there have been some great showings. Piyapol Buntao is looking more consistent, Pitchipong battles back every time he looks to be fading away and Datsakorn still hit a few goals. But this decision is fairly easy: Dagno Siaka is one of the few players who has looked as good as last season. His long legs defy his deft first touch and turn of pace and the way he drifts between midfield and attack pulls opposition players out of position, creating openings for his team-mates. He must be hell to mark.
Attacker of the year:
Christian Koukou is the only choice here, apart from....
(drumroll).......The 2011 Player of the year.....
Remember that goal Vs Oz?
"The best striker in Thailand" is how one of my students described him, and he was right. If the interest around Teerasil "Mui" Dangdaends up in a transfer, then we must either sign a European striker in his prime or accept we are not title challengers anymore, because there is nobody in Thailand that is as two-footed, quick-thinking, able with his back to goal, composed, committed or excellent at finishing as this guy. Before this season's home game with Saraburi, a former MTU coach told me we'd struggle if Mui got injured. Sure enough, he got injured and our form plummeted. It's not coincidence. Teerasil Dangda is class to the point where I feel guilty for paying a paltry sum of baht to watch him ply his trade, which brings me on to.....
Goal of the year:
Plenty of choice, but Teerasil's goal at home to Thai Port takes it because it came from a corner......by Thai Port, with a brilliant break and perfect through-ball by Christian before "Mui" shows his usual class. Watch the magic at work.
Game of the year: MTU 9 Samut Prakan United 0
It's not been a year of demolition derbies like last season but such goal-fests could never last forever. There's still been plenty to cheer about at home though, and a nine goal thrashing, even against a lower league team, was still very satisfying to watch.
In the wake of flooding in Bangkok, the Football Association of Thailand has moved Thailand's World Cup qualifier against leaders Australia on November 15 to Supachalasai stadium.
The Group D fixture was originally destined for Rajamangala National stadium in Bang Kapi district, which is still being menaced by flooding.
Thailand, currently in second spot with four points from three games, face two crucial matches this month which could define their qualifying campaign, with a trip to thirdplaced Saudi Arabia on November 11 coming ahead of the Australia fixture. The Thais complete the group phase with an away tie against Oman in February.
Having cut short his training spell at Thaiowned Leicester City, Buriram PEA forward Kirati Keawsombut joined the squad for the first time yesterday at the Rajamangala stadium.
However, leading striker Teerasil Dangda was unable to train due to his ongoing groin injury, and it now seems certain that the 23yearold will miss the Saudi match. There remains a chance, though, that he will recover in time for the Australia fixture.
National coach Winfried Schaefer revealed that he would announce the 23man list for the Saudi match after today's training session.
"Right now we are putting the emphasis on improving players' fitness. Then we will work on our tactics for the game against the Saudis when we have a training camp in Qatar.
"I'll make the cut [of squad payers] after training tomorrow before submitting the list to the AFC [Asian Football Confederation] the following day," said Schaefer.
And Teerasils cored a sweet finish in Thailand's 3-0 win against Oman yesterday. Surely it's a matter of time before European clubs start asking after him. He was one of the 'Man City Three' but this is really his time.
What a game to miss! Despite looking forward to this match for a long time, family circumstances prevented me from going. All I can do is enviously offer a report from Ben at http://muangthongunitedreplay.wordpress.com
A Teerasil Dangda hat-trick gave the foundation for a steam-rolling of Bangkok Glass on Wednesday night. Muangthong’s passing was top notch, and although many through-balls in the final third could have been better, there’s no doubt BG players will fall asleep tonight seeing red and black triangles dancing in their dreams.
A great game, great energy in the stadium, and Bangkok Glass put up quite a fight until the final whistle.
Extra notes: The other goals came from Piyaphol Buntao, an own goal and Ahnon. Fowler set up a good chance that Ahnon squandered seconds before he made amends.
MTU were very depleted, especially in defence, but still overwhelmed their high-ranking opponents. Good job lads! Next up is Siam Navy
Osotspa Saraburi M150 on the weekend.
Kawin, Nattaporn, Datsakorn, Pitchipong and Teerasil all featured in the disappointing 1-0 win over Palestine yesterday. The winner was scored by former MTU player Jakkaphan Keawprom if you ask FIFA, or someone called Jakkraphan Buathong if you ask Tor. Not sure I trust either but at least Tor is fun.
Image credit: Bangkok Post
MTU bulldozed Samut Prakan out of the FA Cup in a rainy but cheerful display of fandom at the Thunderdome.
The highlight of the day was expected to be the introduction of Robbie Fowler who was greeted with predictable jubilation and displays of Liverpool FC shirts and MTU shirts with his name on the back. The surprise bonus package was Yingluck Shiniwatra. I didn't catch if Yingluck actually confirmed her support for MTU but I'd guess she does, since she has a connection with a school in the area and an MTU sponsor.
But Fowler must now see he has competition for a place in the side after the team of Kawin (GK) , Kayem (LB), Nattaporn (CB, Capt), Zesh (CB), Thiemba (RB), Datsakorn (MD), Dagno (MD), Pitchipong (MD), Issoufaou (RW), Jakkaphan (LW), and Teerasil (ST) smashed nine past their opponents.
It would be overkill to talk the reader through all nine goals so I'll just let you enjoy the scorers list and match highlights below. The only other item to report is the strange withdrawal of Issoufaou (another quiet game) about ten minutes before half time for Christian who was in turn replaced by Ahnon at half time!
A special mention for the fans of SPU. The game wasn't totally one-sided - their striker missed a golden chance from close range in the second half - but it was hard on them. They got drenched, saw their team get hammered and miss a great chance to score, and they still sang their hearts out. Now that's loyal support.
Man of the Match: Teerasil Dangda, who spearheaded the attack with his classy first touch, finishing and awareness. Robbie might get the most attention in future, but Teerasil's just as important and capable. Close runner up for MOTM is Jakkaphan Pornsai, who tormented the SPU back line all night long.
Before the match a collection took place for the Chiang Rai fan club and a moment of silence was observed to honour the deceased. Of course, other tragic deaths occurred at the weekend but what struck a cord with us football fans is that we instinctively felt: "That could've been any of us.". One moment you're on your way to a match, having fun and feeling good, the next minute your life is taken and your loved ones are left behind. It's a horrible thought,
The game itself was a fairly one-sided affair, especially in the first half. Pattaya looked low on confidence and saw very little of the ball. About half way through the opening forty five, a long forward ball found Teerasil who just touched it past the goalie and finished from an awkward angle and an awkward bounce.
We should have pushed for more but looked content to play patient, possession football. Pattaya looked stronger in the second half so it was a relief when we earned a penalty for a goalkeeping foul in the box. Dagno converted, though the penalty was not his best.
The game fizzled out from there, though Pattaya United belted a strong shot against the bar and had a penalty claim refused. Still, the result was a fair one.
The team was: Kawin (GK), Kayem (LB) , Zesh (CB), Nattaporn (CB,capt), Pakasit (RB), Datsakorn (MD), Buntao (MD), Siaka (MD), Toth (LW/RW), Teerasil (ST), Christian (FW). Jakkaphan, Ahnon and Panupog all appeared as subs in the second half.
Man of the Match: Zesh Rehman is now well settled in Thai football and proved it today. His reading of the game resulted in a consistent and comfortable control of the back line.
It was just before nine o'clock on a hot, humid Wednesday night in Nonthaburi and our undefeated home league streak was in serious, serious jeopardy. Our team of Kawin, Kayem, Zesh, Nattaporn (C), Thiemba, Datsakorn, Pitchipong, Buntao, Pornsai, Christian and Teerasil got off to a good start, creating lots of space and lots of chances, but they all went astray. Granted, the absence of last season's top-scorer Dagno Siaka may have had a lot to do with that, but then again, Pornsai was relishing the game against his old club and spent most of the first half tearing down the left wing and firing in dangerous, low crosses.
But Police United were every bit the side I have described more than once before: not technically great, but extremely well drilled, well-prepared and physically and tactically tough to break down. The centre-midfielders dropped back for every MTU attack, creating a crowded area. Meanwhile the forwards stayed in their channels and pushed forward on every break, looking confident rather than hopeful, unlike most visitors to the Thunderdome.
So although the deficit was just one goal - a sharp cross and a close range finish for Police - and despite our excellent record of comebacks at home, I really thought this was it.
But Calisto is a smart tactician when it comes to substitutions. First to join the fray was Miroslav Toth, whose footwork created space for the other attacking players. Later introductions were Ahnon Sangsanoi and, surprisingly, Issofoau, whom thai-fussball.de report to be on his way out. Initially Issofoau looked similar to his other showings, working hard but struggling to make an impression with or without the ball. That would change before the final whistle.
After MTU finally found some space, allowing Teerasil to blast the ball past Police's very good goalkeeper for the equaliser, Issofoau created the second goal with an excellent cross from the left wing for Ahnon to finish. That settled the game, but Toth found time for another poacher's goal shortly before the end.
An excellent fightback and some fluid attacking football against a tough side give us reason to be optimistic. The fallout of Robson's resignation and whispers of yet more personnel changes at the Thunderdome, less so.
Man of the Match:
Jakkaphan Pornsai rose to the occasion against his old club and produced the display I've been hoping for for some time by doing what a winger should do - running down the wing, taking on your man if need be, then getting the crosses in fast and low. No rocket science required.
Blog news:
I'll shortly begin work on a site move for this 'ere blog. I hope it will improve both presentation and quality of the reader's experience. Any fans wishing to work with me in site work or content are most welcome. The new home will require a one-time, totally free, totally non-spam or any other nonsense registration. Stay tuned!
