New Port coach Zico has a debut to forget

New Port coach Zico has a debut to forget

Bangkok United's Dragan Boskovic (centre) in action against Port. (M2F photo)
Bangkok United's Dragan Boskovic (centre) in action against Port. (M2F photo)

Former Thailand coach Kiatisak 'Zico' Senamuang's first outing in charge of Thai League 1 side Port ended in a nightmarish 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Bangkok United at PAT Stadium on Sunday night.

Kiatisak took over as Port's coach on Friday, replacing Jadet Meelarp who had taken the promoted club to eighth spot in the league rankings in the first half of the season.

Kiatisak, who quit as the national team coach in March after a couple of heavy losses in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, said: "I had only two days with the team but everyone played very well, especially in the first half. However, I must admit that Bangkok United were stronger in every department of the game."

Kiatisak, whose presence at Port's home ground attracted a huge crowd, later apologised to the fans for the loss through his Instagram account.

He added: "It isn't as easy to be a coach in the Thai league as it once used to be.

"I had only two days before the match and that was not enough to work out a game plan.

"Give me a few more days to get adjusted and things will improve. I haven't been able to teach anything to anyone in the team, but I am very happy with what I have seen, especially the fitness of the players.

"However, a number of weaknesses were exposed in the second half when we ran out of steam. Improvement is required in a number of areas.

"We need to strengthen our defence by signing new players as we only have two to three good defenders in the team."

Despite the heavy loss, Kiatsiak received a big thumbs-up from team president Nualphan Lamsam.

"Everyone could see that our style has changed, especially our attacking game," she said.

"Zico has been here only two days and I think we were impressive in the match against Bangkok United. I believe he can take our team to the next level."

After a goalless first half, Bangkok United had the breakthrough when Nitipol Selanont fouled Dragan Boskovic and were awarded a penalty.

Boskovic made no mistake from the spot and put Bangkok United ahead.

Bangkok United then controlled most of the game and picked up their second goal through a nifty chip from by Mario Gjurovski.

Boskovic added the third to Bangkok United's tally two minutes before time.

In other late games on Sunday night, Super Power Samut Prakan lost 4-0 to Sukhothai, and Navy beat Thai Honda 2-0.

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