Bangkok a perfect launch pad

Two down, two to go. English Premier League clubs Manchester United and Chelsea blew through Bangkok, gained fresh inspiration for the season ahead from football-crazy Thai fans, and left for their next destination. For Thai soccer nuts, however, the unprecedented fiesta of football continues. Two more glamour teams are set to land in the capital, starting with the arrival of five-time European champions Liverpool next week.

This is the first time ever that Thailand has welcomed four of Europe’s football giants in the same year. After the visit of United and Chelsea to mark the 80th anniversary of their global sponsor Boon Rawd Brewery, the Merseyside club is next to kick off in the capital, with an exhibition match on July 28. Spanish giants Barcelona cap Thailand’s summer of soccer with their first trip to the country in a decade for a match on August 7.

While EPL champions Manchester United continue their preparations for the new season in Sydney, where they are due to face the A-League All Stars tomorrow, Europa League winners Chelsea left Thailand for Malaysia yesterday. 

In contrast to his United counterpart David Moyes, whose side succumbed 1-0 to the Singha All Stars in his first match in charge, Blues manager Jose Mourinho must have departed Thailand with positive feelings. The Portuguese began his second reign at Chelsea with a 1-0 win over the same opponents on Wednesday.

Despite a rusty performance by his charges, the 50-year-old Mourinho, who returned to the west London club after spells with Inter Milan and Real Madrid, was happy with what he saw in a match played out in front of a sea of flag-waving Blues fans at Rajamangala National Stadium.

“I am pleased. It was difficult to do well, because of [our lack] of training and because the opposition played in a very defensive way, which I am not criticising.

“They played for a result and knew we had more talent. Our keeper didn’t make one save and we were always in control. We thought when they were winning they would open a little more, but they played for this kind of result.

“So it was a good experience because they were very organised, with five at the back and only one in attack. 

“Defensively we were very strong. We moved the ball quite well but didn’t create many chances. We are not sharp, we have a lot to improve, but it was okay,” said Mourinho, whose side next play in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. 

The Portuguese manager said his decision to leave out star midfielder Frank Lampard – who had been expected to play against the team of players from Thai Premier League clubs that Singha support – was a precautionary measure.

“Lampard’s non-inclusion was a well thought-out decision. Players have to be intelligent and not risk it if they feel any little [injury]. In competition you have to risk sometimes but in pre-season matches, injuries are the worst thing that could happen.

“He was feeling a little pain in the Achilles. The doctor was not sure whether he should risk playing, and ultimately we decided that Lampard would not play, and for [replacement] Ramires it is not a drama to play 90 minutes, because he is an above-natural runner. In two days’ time I think Lampard can train,” Mourinho said. 

With his club in the capital for a week, the longest any European team has spent in the country, Mourinho summed up the trip as a good experience and thanked local fans for the warm reception.

“No injuries, everybody did their job, so it was good, and it was fantastic to come so far from London and see so many people in love with the club,” he said.