Coach Joe Needs to Save Sliding Korat

Football fans are a fickle bunch.

After leading Korat on an excellent winning run last year, coach Teerasak Po-on was considered among the best coaches in the division and a candidate for manager of the year. Despite having their squad severely depleted in the transfer window, ‘coach Joe’ was able to rebuild once again and get his side into mid table by the end of the first leg.

However, after no wins in their last five games, including defeats against direct rivals in Khon Kaen United, Suphanburi and Prachuap, some fans are calling for the coach to be replaced.

His side travel to Samut Prakan City, who sit second from bottom and four points from safety. However, the side received a huge boost last weekend, as their 2-0 victory over Port FC has given them a ray of hope. There is immense pressure on the Sea Fang to prove that last week’s win wasn’t a one-off.

Aside from Samut Prakan, the other two occupants of the relegation zone, Chiangmai United and Prachuap FC, have difficult tasks on their hand this weekend. The former host Chonburi on Friday evening, while the latter welcome Port FC on Saturday.

Rangsit Rivals Fight for Second Place

BG Pathum United climbed back into second place last weekend, as the side beat Suphanburi FC in coach Makoto Teguramori’s first official game in charge. They replaced neighbours Bangkok United, who have only managed one win since the start of the second leg.

One time favourites for title, the Angels have fallen off significantly in recent weeks. With the second place birth potentially coming with the added benefit of automatic qualification to the AFC Champions League, the side can’t afford to drop any more points. Pressure is mounting on coach Totchtawan Sripan to turn things around quickly.

Elsewhere, Chiangrai United will be looking to protect their place in the top four when they travel to face Khon Kaen United. However, the King Cobras have not lost at home since last November, and could provide a significant obstacle.

League leaders Buriram look unlikely to lose their place at the summit for the remainder of the season, and will be aiming to continue their run against Ratchaburi FC. The Dragons’ new coach Bruno Pereira is yet to lose a league match since taking charge at the club, but this upcoming match surely represents his toughest test yet.

Lastly, Muangthong United face local rivals Police Tero while Suphanburi host Nongbua Pitchaya.