Tochtawan pleased with Muangthong win over Koreans, but cautious of challenges ahead
Muangthong United football coach Totchtawan Sripan said it was too early to think about qualifying for the Asian Champions League knockout stages for the first time even though a 1-0 home win over South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai propelled the Thai league champions to the top of the table in the group stage on Wednesday.
Captain and striker Teerasil Dangda’s solitary strike handed Muangthong United the crucial win at the crowded SCG Stadium, which helped them overtake J-League giants Kashima Antlers at the top of the AFC Champions League Group E standings after the Antlers suffered a 2-1 loss away to Australia’s Brisbane Roar.
With two games remaining, Muangthong, who were eliminated at the group stage on their only appearance four years ago, now lead the way with eight points after a run of four games without defeat.
It was the Twin Kirins’ second straight “home” victory but the first achieved on their own ground. They had been forced to host the Antlers at the Supachalasai Stadium in February due to the unavailability of their venue, but they beat the J-League team 2-1 to register their first-ever group stage win.
After watching his charges beat the South Koreans at home following a goalless stalemate away in Ulsan last month, Totchtawan was unable to hide his delight.
“Our boys showed great determination in the game played at home. I might have said before the game that we would take the game to the Koreans but you need to be aware of the difference in quality between the two sides.
“They also pressed us well so we had to stay on the back foot and look for a chance to hit them on the break. My words seemed to have an effect on the players, psychologically. They’re all focused and tried to launch an attack.
“We played with good discipline and managed to grab a crucial goal so I’m generally satisfied with the three points we claimed,” said the former national midfielder who turned down an approach from the Thai Football Association for the vacant national team coach post.
With the Antlers trailing his side by only two points, and Ulsan and Brisbane sitting two points further back, Totchtawan refused to get carried away by his team’s latest success.
“We may sit in the top spot now but I’m not thinking about qualification yet. We still need to do our job, as best as we can in each game. Things would take care of themselves if we do our job well. Anything can happen in football and we still face two games against tough opponents.”
