BANGKOK (3 May 2013) – It is end of the road for Atthaphol Puspakom as the chief coach of Buriram United when they decided to part ways with the former Thai international.
Despite leading the former Thai champions to a place in the final 16 teams in the AFC Champions League, it was still not good enough for the ambitious club based in the northeast of Thailand.
“After the game I was called in by the club’s management and asked why I had not made the change he (club president Newin Chidchob) wanted. I explained I was afraid that it might have a detrimental effect on the team, tactically, so I preferred not to make the substitution,” said Atthapol, who led BEC Tero to the final of the AFC Champions League in 2003 before losing to UAE club Al Ain.
“However, the management saw my inaction as failing to follow club policy, which has resulted in the split. I don’t know what the future now holds for me.”
Newin Chidchob said in a video clip: “we had an agreement, and the day has come when we have outgrown it. That’s the reason why Buriram United and coach ‘Tak’ have gone their separate ways.
“I would like to reassure our fans that Buriram United are the club that will continue to prosper under a system and structure as a professional football club. We will continue to grow with the system we have in place at Buriram.”
PIX: Better days … Atthaphol Puspakom (left) with Newin Chidchob (right)
