Thai giants Buriram United are back in action in the ASEAN Club Championship this week, resuming their campaign for regional glory while also setting their sights on unprecedented domestic success. The Thunder Castle currently sit atop the Thai League 1 standings and are firmly in the hunt for a record-extending fourth consecutive title.
Lofty Ambitions at Home and Abroad
But Buriram’s ambitions extend well beyond Thailand’s borders this season. For the first time in two decades, the ASEAN Club Championship offers the tantalizing prospect of being crowned the undisputed kings of Southeast Asian football.
Despite suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Vietnam’s Công An Hà Nội in their opening match, Buriram have bounced back emphatically. Resounding 7-0 and 4-0 victories over Kaya FC-Iloilo and Borneo Samarinda respectively have propelled them right back into contention in Group B.
Coach Loss Aiming High
Speaking to ESPN ahead of their crucial clash with Singapore Premier League side Lion City Sailors, Buriram head coach Osmar Loss made no secret of the club’s sky-high expectations for the months ahead:
“Our goals for this season are really high. We expect to be champions in many competitions. We expect to go for the next stage in the Champions League Elite. It’s a really good challenge to face this.”
– Osmar Loss, Buriram United Head Coach
The Brazilian tactician expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performances so far, but stressed the importance of not only maintaining but elevating their level as they enter the business end of the campaign on multiple fronts.
Strength in Depth Key to Juggling Commitments
Buriram were able to bolster their squad over the mid-season break with several high-profile signings, including Thai superstar Suphanat Mueanta, Austrian midfielder Peter Žulj, and Italian striker Martin Boakye. However, with the exception of goalkeeper Chatchai Budprom who was granted special registration, none of the new faces will be eligible for the ASEAN Club Championship.
Nevertheless, the added depth will be invaluable as Loss looks to keep his players fresh and firing amid a grueling schedule. Managing the delicate balance of fielding competitive lineups while avoiding burnout and injuries will be critical to Buriram’s hopes of success.
“To manage this, because there are a lot of games and different competitions, we need to be clever to choose which players to play in each competition. To keep the players fresh and not create more risk of injury.”
– Osmar Loss, Buriram United Head Coach
Facing the Sailors’ Challenge
Next up for Buriram is a tricky test against a Lion City Sailors outfit that has already proven its mettle against Thai opposition in this competition. The Singaporeans claimed two wins over Port FC in the group stages of the AFC Champions League back in April.
Buriram captain Narubadin Weerawatnodom is well aware of the threat the Sailors pose, but remains confident his side has what it takes to emerge victorious:
“Of course, the Shopee Cup [ASEAN Club Championship] is a very important tournament for us because we can be the best team in ASEAN. We know that we have much experience to approach tomorrow’s big game.”
– Narubadin Weerawatnodom, Buriram United Captain
A win over the Sailors would see Buriram take a huge step towards qualifying for the ASEAN Club Championship semifinals. And with their pedigree and red-hot form, few would bet against the Thunder Castle going all the way and adding yet another piece of silverware to their already glittering collection come the end of the season.
As Loss and his charges continue their quest for an unprecedented quadruple – defending their Thai League 1 crown, conquering the AFC Champions League Elites, the regional ASEAN Club Championship, and the domestic cups – one thing is for certain: Buriram United have their eyes firmly fixed on carving out a truly historic campaign.
