Published on January 12, 2005

Most Thai League clubs have to change their style of play if they want to attract more fans, Thailand’s German coach Siegfried Held said yesterday.

After having spent a lot of time watching Thai League games in search of new players for the national team, Held, a former German international, said that only two games – Provincial Electricity Authority stunning Krung Thai Bank 3-1, and Osotspa outclassing TOT 3-0 – had impressed him.

“In both matches, the teams displayed real football. For me, these two games were more exciting than some English Premier League games.

“However, all the other games were not interesting. They played slowly and less impressively, so I was not surprised to see there was a handful of fans in the stadiums. I do not understand why they play like that despite their ability,” said Held.

The German coach went on to say that he already had players in mind for the SEA Games squad, but it depended on the Football Association of Thailand as to how many players they wanted for the national camp.

“Even the FAT would want 30 or 40 players, I have no problem because I have enough information about all players in the Thai League.

“Although I already know the players who have potential for the national team, I will not stop searching for better ones,” added Held, who played in the 1970 and 1974 World Cup finals.

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