Coming up against a star-studded Bangkok United midfield in their last outing was always going to be an uphill task for the Lion City Sailors.
But one player that rose to the challenge was midfield lynchpin Song Uiyoung, who battled tirelessly and snapped into duels with his trademark intensity.
While the result did not go the Sailors’ way, the fighting spirit they showed in Pathum Thani in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League Two (ACL Two) fixture gave cause for optimism ahead of a run of several crucial fixtures.
“Everyone prepared well for the game, and we were the better team both individually and collectively in the first half,” said Song. “But even when you dominate the game, the result still may not go your way. That’s football.”
The Sailors’ task was made even harder following captain Hariss Harun’s sending off just after the hour mark. But despite being a man down, the team never stopped pushing forward in search of an equaliser.
“One of the positives we can take from the game is the quality and determination we showed as a team. That will give us confidence moving forward,” Song said.
“But at the end of the day, getting the three points is still the most important. And as long as we can finish the chances we create, I am sure we can achieve that in the next game.”
Their next assignment comes in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) against third-place Albirex Niigata (S) on Monday (27 October), just three days after returning from Bangkok.
“To prepare for Albirex, we first need to recover from this defeat both physically and mentally,” noted Song. “They are a different team from last year. Their Japanese brand of football reminds me of the Albirex of old.”
The White Swans’ revamped squad boasts potent attacking options like the league’s joint top-scorer Shingo Nakano, while new summer additions Katsuyuki Ishibashi and Takumi Yokohata have hit the ground running.
Albirex are also one of three teams, along with the Sailors and BG Tampines, yet to lose a game this term.
Recent history favours the Sailors, who have beaten the White Swans in four of their last five meetings. This includes 7-1 and 6-0 home victories in the 2024/25 season, with Song netting in both games.
However, the Singapore international is taking nothing for granted. After all, six-time league champions Albirex are the last side to beat the Sailors by two goals or more in the SPL, recording a 3-1 win back in August 2024.
“They have a strong team this season, but this is exactly the type of game we enjoy playing and we’re looking forward to a good match. We are going to prepare in the best state of mind and aim to get all three points on Monday,” said Song.
The 31-year-old has started the season in good form, registering one goal and two assists in his three league appearances. But the midfielder remains grounded and focused on the challenge ahead.
“There is still a long way to go in the season. Rather than worrying about the future, our focus is on taking things game by game,” he said.
“What matters most is ensuring that we put maximum effort into each match and with that, the results will follow.”
