English Premier League champions Chelsea will meet the Thailand All-Stars in an exhibition match at Rajamangala National Stadium tonight.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, left, watches his players train at Rajamangala National Stadium yesterday.
All-Stars coach Kiatisak Senamuang said yesterday he hoped his players gained experience from playing against a world-class team.
“It is important for us to learn from them,’’ said Kiatisak.
“I have told my players to try to learn from them. We are underdogs and I believe it will be an exciting match.”
Thailand striker Teerasil Dangda will captain the local side, said Kiatisak.
Kiatisak is national head coach and most of the All-Stars players are from Thailand’s full national and Olympic teams.
Earlier, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said: “For the Thai fans, it is not just an exhibition match but it’s an occasion to celebrate the Premier League title with us.
“After a long season, it’s not an easy option to travel so far. But it became an easy option because we really wanted to come and enjoy it with our fans. It will be a good experience for the Thai players to play against us.
“The last time we came here, we didn’t come as champions and it’s important for our fans in Thailand, we know we have a big fanbase here.”
The Portuguese led the Blues to Thailand to begin his second spell as Chelsea manager in 2013.
Chelsea coaches conducted a football clinic for kids at Singha Football Park in Muang Thong Thani yesterday.
Meanwhile, as he settles into life in Bangkok, Petr Cech admits he cannot wait to play in front of our passionate Thai support once more.
The goalkeeper, whose future at Stamford Bridge remains unclear, explained how he had filled his free time since landing in Bangkok on Thursday.
“The main thing for me was when we arrived, not to go and sleep all day,” he told the club’s official website www.chelseafc.com.
“Everybody deals with jet lag differently but I knew if I went to sleep in the afternoon during the night I would not sleep, so after lunch at the hotel I took a book and read by the pool or a couple of hours, which I haven’t done for a long time!
‘It was nice and relaxing, we ate dinner together and were then invited by Singha to a welcome function which was nice.
‘Before we went to the function I found a drum studio nearby, which was brilliant. The people were very nice and generous to let me in, it was very well set up, so I played for a couple of hours.’
With plenty of rest the attention now turns to competition. It may only be a friendly game against the Thai All-Stars, but Cech is aware our local support will be expecting a show.
‘It will be a great experience for us, and especially for some of the younger players because it could be the biggest crowd they have played in front of so far. Last time the game was very entertaining, and this time I expect it will be the same,’ said the 33-year-old.
Thai kids take part in a football clinic by Chelsea coaches.