It’s rare in Thai League 1 for a clash between two struggling sides to steal the limelight from the big guns, but sacked national team coach Masatada Ishii’s return will have fans firmly focused on Sunday’s game between BG Pathum United and Chonburi.
While defending champions Buriram United face Nakhon Ratchasima in a northeastern derby tonight, that fixture pales in comparison with the comeback of Ishii, the Japanese whose dismissal sparked a huge fan backlash.
Pathum wasted no time in securing his services, unveiling Ishii as their new coach this week.
His first assignment comes with added intrigue as the away clash pits him against Chonburi’s veteran caretaker coach Witthaya Laohakul.
The matchup has been billed as a battle of football professors. Witthaya, 71, is one of Thailand’s most respected coaching figures, while Ishii brings his own illustrious pedigree.