Shocked Schaefer prescribes 'hard work' for Utd

The 63-year-old has joined the three-time TPL champions on a six-month deal, replacing Serbia’s Slavisa Jokanovic, whose contract was terminated after Muang Thong were overtaken at the top of the standings by bitter rivals Buriram United following Sunday’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Osotspa.

The move to Muang Thong resolves the uncertainty over Schaefer’s future that followed the Football Association’s bid to end his contract as the national team coach. The speed with which the Muang Thong deal was made still surprised many though, as the German only agreed to end his Thailand contract on Monday, having previously repeatedly insisted that he wanted to continue in the national post.

Muang Thong’s football director Ronnarit Suewaja, though, insisted Schaefer’s appointment was based solely on footballing reasons.

“We don’t need to help the Thai FA to sort out their problem with Schaefer. The relationship we have does not mean we need to help them. People who know us well, know we don’t play politics at this club,” Ronnarit told reporters at a packed press conference at the SCG Stadium.

Ronnarit went on to hail the veteran German trainer as the club’s first world-class coach, who would help Muang Thong achieve their target for the season.  

“We’ve faced many crises at the club. But we’ve never hidden from problems, which we see as challenges. This is another problematic time we have to face, but we have proved in the past that we can be successful under these conditions.

“We are fortunate to get an opportunity to work with a world-class coach for the first time. It’s an achievement for us that Schaefer accepted our offer. Everyone at the club, from top to bottom, will give him their 100 per cent support. I hope our fans are just as excited as we are to have Schaefer as our new coach,” said Ronnarit.

The German, who could be offered a long-term contract at the end of the season if he meets the team’s targets, confessed he was shocked to see the level of the team’s form, and says hard work is now the key for Muang Thong’s success.

“I watched yesterday’s match [a League Cup fixture against Nakhon Ratchasima, which Muang Thong lost after extra time]. I was a bit shocked by the team’s form.

“We have to work very hard, concentrate on physical fitness as well as mentality. That will help us return as a top team again,” said the German, who will make his bow in Sunday’s league fixture against Bangkok Glass.