PETALING JAYA: Buriram United’s veteran playmaker Teerathon Bunmathan (pic) has warned his teammates against complacency ahead of their Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup final second leg against Selangor at the Chang Arena on Wednesday.
The 36-year-old Teerathon provided a superb assist for Suphanat Muenta’s winning goal as the Thai champions edged the Red Giants 1-0 in the first leg at the Petaling Jaya Stadium last week.
To keep his team on their toes, Teerathon reminded them of the difficulties they had faced in the semi-final second leg against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
Buriram had taken a comfy 3-1 lead over JDT in the first leg away but made it tough for themselves at home in the return leg, where they fell 2-0 behind after 90 minutes.
Fortunately, Buriram managed to pull a goal back in extra time and despite losing the game 2-1, they still pulled though 4-3 on aggregate.
‘’Our struggle against JDT in the semi-final second leg should be a lesson for us. We had a two-goal cushion at home but were really tested after we lost it,’’ said Teerathon.
‘’Now we have only a 1-0 lead over Selangor in the final and we can’t take anything for granted.
‘’We need to be better in front of our home fans, and we will fully focused on winning the game and lifting the trophy.’’
Teerathon, who has featured in midfield in several matches this season despite being naturally deployed as a leftback, has been instrumental in Buriram’s campaign.
The experienced Thailand international has recorded four assists in eight appearances in the tournament.
His composure, creativity and leadership will once again be crucial as Buriram seek a second consecutive South-East Asian title.
