Thitipan hopes to make up for lost time
Midfielder Thitipan Puangchan can hardly wait to represent Thailand in next month’s AFF Suzuki Cup after missing the event for the past four years.
The Bangkok Glass player was disconsolate when injuries and poor form deprived him of the chance to take part in 2014 and 2016, so appreciates even more the latest-call-up by national coach Milovan Rajevac to attend a two-week camp ahead of the tournament. A total of 27 players have been selected – just 23 will make the final cut.
“This is one of the tournaments I’ve been waiting for as I never got the chance to play in the past. I feel most ready for it,” said Thitipan, who scored a goal for Thailand in the 2017 King’s Cup against North Korea.
He said Rajevac’s training sessions had so far focused on improving the players’ physical strength – but is still without several players from Buriram and Chiangrai who have been committed to the FA Cup final on Saturday.
The 2013 and 2015 SEA Games gold medallist is certainly expecting a tougher programme when they join up with the rest of the squad on Sunday.
“It’s normal that our training focused on our defensive style earlier as we had to play stronger teams [in the King’s Cup and friendly games]. But as we are the favourites in Asean, we will definitely concentrate more on our attack.
“This will be a challenge not only for the coach but also for the players as we need to prove how good we are,” added Thitipan, who won the Thai League with Muangthong United in 2012.
He also pointed out that despite being the two-time defending champions Thailand should never let their guard down at any moment if they hope to live up to expectations and win the title for the sixth time.
“We can be beaten if we get too relaxed and careless. We have to stick to the coach’s game plan and play as fiercely as possible,” he said.
Others at training already include Pokklaw Anan of Bangkok United and Thai-German Philip Roller of Ratchaburi Mitr Phol.
