Attaphol content with Seoul stalemate

By FOX Sports staff

The result means the Thai Premier League giants have picked up two points from their opening two games of the 2013 campaign, following their opening-day 1-1 draw at Vegalta Sendai.

Buriram created waves in the competition last year when they won their first two matches against Kashiwa Reysol and Guangzhou Evergrande, only to miss out on the Round of 16 after losing their remaining four group-stage ties.

And while he admits they were in a better position to qualify for the next round at this stage last year, Attaphol remains upbeat over his side's prospects.

"By achieving two points from the first two matches compared to last year, it means that we had a better chance to qualify last year," he said on the AFC's official website.

"But we cannot look that far forward because each game and each opponent is different and we have to prepare for each match.

"For now we will go back and train harder and prepare better for our upcoming matches, as it is vital for us to gain three points in our home matches in order to have a chance to qualify for the knockout stage."

Given the way Tuesday's clash at the Thunder Castle Stadium panned out, Attaphol was also content with Buriram escaping with a point.

"We have to be pleased with one point as FC Seoul's defence was very hard to penetrate," he added.

"Considering in the first half we gave away the ball very easily, I am very pleased with our defence as they were very compact, and both flanks joined in with the counterattacks very well throughout the game."

Given the fact his players were affected by the weather in Thailand, Seoul coach Choi Yong-soo was not overly disappointed that they were not able to convert their dominance into a victory.

 "Considering we are not used to the hot weather, our players gave their all and did what they could to try and collect the three points," he said. "But it wasn't to be.

"We are not disappointed with the draw. We are very tired but satisfied with the result as this is a very tough away fixture, especially in such a big competition like the AFC Champions League.

"Buriram United played very well and they are a very strong opponent that we need to respect and prepare even better for the next match back in Seoul."

Buriram failed to defend their league title last season, but qualified for the Champions League after winning the Thai FA Cup, one of two trophies they won in 2012 along with the League Cup.

Image courtesy of Buriram United Football Club