Cooper vows attacking strategy

Buriram midfielder Anawin Jujeen, left, sets off on his celebration after scoring the opening goal in a 21 victory over Bunyodkor on Tuesday.

Buriram United coach Scott Cooper has heaped praise on his charges after the Thai FA Cup winners gained the upper hand over Uzbekistan's Bunyodkor with a 2-1 victory in their AFC Champions League last-16 first leg at the IMobile stadium on Tuesday.

A glancing header from substitute Ekkachai Samre with 14 minutes left in the match secured Buriram, the first Thai club to reach the Asian Champions League knockout stage since BEC Tero Sasana made the final a decade ago, a slender advantage ahead of the return leg in Tashkent next week.

Having seen his players produce a committed performance for a memorable victory over visitors unbeaten on their way to qualifying for their sixth successive knockoutround appearance, Cooper asked for more of the same from his men.

"We have done a terrific job and won the game tonight, but we will not be overwhelmed by this victory. We have another 90 minutes in Uzbekistan to prove ourselves, as Bunyodkor are a strong team and have had good performances in the AFC Champions League for many years," said the former boss at Thaiowned Leicester City's football academy.

Buriram are scheduled to return to the pitch just 48 hours after the Bunyodkor fixture for a league match against BEC Tero today, but Cooper says the fixture congestion will not hamper his side's bid to protect their slender advantage next Tuesday at Bunyodkor Stadium.

"We have one Thai Premier League match to conquer before we leave for the away game," said the new coach, who took over the Buriram helm after Atthaphol Puspakom was relieved of his duties soon after the 22 away draw with FC Seoul that helped secure qualification as Group E runnersup.

"And even though we have two players, Suchao Nutnum and Carmelo Gonzalez, back for the away match, we need to play our own game and have good teamwork. We will play our aggressive game against Bunyodkor."

Bunyodkor coach Mirdjalal Kasimov put the blame for his side's first defeat in the competition this season on tiredness caused by the gruelling trip.

"My squad did their best in the game, but I have to admit our players were fatigued from the long journey to Buriram. It took us one and a half days to get here.

"Prior the game, I advised my team not to underestimate Buriram United since they are a strong team, but we still hope to give them a good game back home."

Latest stories in this category

• Cooper vows attacking strategy


• Buriram United coach Scott Cooper has heaped..


• Ekkachai inspires Buriram to a first-leg victory


• Buriram's new coach seeks winning start

We Recommend

• Social media provides the 'glue' for one very well-connected..


• Many people use social media purely as a..


• House dissolution an option : Phumtham


• 'National pride' must be restored in Suvarnabhumi,..

Comments conditions

Users are solely responsible for their comments.We reserve the right to remove any comment and revoke posting rights for any reason withou prior notice.

Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2013/05/16/cooper-vows-attacking-strategy/