On January 8, 2025, BG Pathum United will host Vietnam’s Thanh Hoa FC in a pivotal Group A match of the Shopee Cup™ 2024/25 at Pathum Thani Stadium. The outcome of this clash is expected to significantly impact both teams’ chances of advancing to the next stage of the ASEAN club championship.
A pre-match press conference was held on January 7 at Pathum Thani Stadium, featuring BG Pathum United’s head coach Surachai Jaturapattarapong and player Kritsada Kaman. Thanh Hoa FC was represented by Bulgarian head coach Velizar Popov and midfielder Luiz Antonio. Both teams shared insights into their preparations for the highly anticipated encounter.
Coach Surachai highlighted the importance of this match, stating, “This is our third and most critical group-stage match. A win here would greatly enhance our chances of progressing. Playing at home is a significant advantage for the team, and we aim to deliver a victory for our fans and stakeholders.”
He also noted the strength of Thanh Hoa FC, saying, “Thanh Hoa is among the top teams in Vietnam right now, with highly effective players who have been working together consistently. However, our recent competitive match gives us an edge, as their rhythm might be affected by the league break.”
Player Kritsada Kaman echoed his coach’s confidence, saying, “Our team is well-prepared and close to 100% ready. Playing at home boosts our confidence, especially with the strong support of our fans. We’ve trained extensively, and this preparation will give us the advantage we need.”
Thanh Hoa head coach Velizar Popov expressed concerns about the impact of the league hiatus on his team’s form. “The break has disrupted our momentum. Before the break, we were performing at the top level, but we’ve only played friendly matches recently, which lack the intensity of competitive games.”
Popov also identified Chanathip Songkrasin as BG Pathum United’s key player. “Chanathip is the best player in ASEAN. His ability to influence the game through decisive passes or goals is unparalleled, and we need to be extremely focused to counter his impact.”
Midfielder Luiz Antonio reflected on his previous experience at Pathum Thani Stadium. “When I played here with Lamphun Warriors, I couldn’t secure a win. BG Pathum has quality players and excellent facilities. This season, I’ve been performing well, and my goal is to help Thanh Hoa secure a victory in this game.”
The Shopee Cup™ 2024/25 Group A match between BG Pathum United and Thanh Hoa FC kicks off at 7:00 PM on January 8, 2025, at Pathum Thani Stadium. Fans can catch the action live on YouTube via BG Channel and FPT Play (in Vietnam).
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