Khun Top’s Pride As LCFC Live Begins In Bangkok
Manager Enzo Maresca also addressed a packed media room at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport – a central hub for King Power’s duty-free operation – alongside Club stalwart Marc Albrighton, new signing Harry Winks and Academy graduate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
As well as a pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur at Rajamangala Stadium on Sunday, the Foxes will be at the heart of daily life in Bangkok over their stay.
While Maresca’s side sharpen their focus on the new Sky Bet Championship season, the Club will embrace Thai supporters with a busy schedule of events designed to bring a unique LCFC experience to their doorstep. Those fans came out in force on Friday, armed with placards and enthusiasm, with hundreds waiting outside the airport terminal for the Foxes squad to arrive.
Owned by King Power since 2010 – an era which has included Premier League and FA Cup triumphs – Leicester City’s fanbase in the country continues to grow at an incredible pace. In 2016, nearly one million people lined the streets of Bangkok to toast that English title success and excitement has been building rapidly ahead of their latest visit to the Land of Smiles.
Khun Top said: “It’s important for me to show [the players and staff] the country where I was born, so that everyone at the Club can understand the culture of Thai people.
“I want the Club to feel like a family and that they are welcome, so I am proud they are here. Also for pre-season, fitness-wise, it’s important because we need to make sure we are ready for the coming season, which will be really challenging.
“In football, you can win or lose, I understand that, but the important thing is for the players to understand what the Manager and what the Club wants. The Thai people always support us and that is important for me.”
Maresca, on the other hand, is witnessing Leicester City’s appeal in Thailand for the first time. The Italian was named as Foxes Manager earlier this summer and has been tasked with guiding the Club back to the Premier League.
Upon arriving in Thailand’s vibrant capital city, home to over 10 million people, Maresca said: “As the Chairman said, we are very happy and proud to be here for the next days. For sure, to see our supporters here, it will be very nice. I joined the Club less than one month ago. We are trying day by day to improve and be ready for the first official game in August. Anything can happen in football, but the most important thing now is that we get better game after game.”
Albrighton, on the other hand, knows Bangkok well. The former Aston Villa midfielder was there when people thronged the streets to toast the 2016 Premier League champions.
“The main challenge is the humidity and the heat,” City’s No.11 added. “We’re not used to that back home. We’re really looking forward to the challenge of coming up against Tottenham. It’s an exciting time for us going into the new season and it’s great preparation for us.”
This stay in Thailand will pit Leicester up against Tottenham – the former club of midfielder Winks, who only swapped north London for Leicestershire this month. The England international, who has 10 caps, can’t wait to come up against his ex-club so soon.
“I’m happy to be here with the team and prepare for the start of the season, I’ve settled in really nice,” Winks explained. “Everyone’s been so warm and I’m really enjoying my time here.”
Dewsbury-Hall, who has emerged through the Academy to play for the First Team, can’t wait for the challenge of facing Spurs in Bangkok.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “It will be my first taste of playing football in Thailand. I’m looking forward to seeing all the fans. We’re really grateful to everyone for coming out and showing their support so hopefully we can repay them against in the game.”
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