It might have taken some time, but with 11 goals in 14 Singapore Premier League (SPL) matches, it is safe to say that Lennart Thy has fully integrated into the Lion City Sailors team.
Off the pitch, the German forward has also settled into life in Singapore, especially now that his family has joined him in the country, cheering him on from the stands at every game.
“For sure, it wasn’t easy initially. The first month here was about getting used to everything – a new country, new weather, and new teammates,” said the 32-year-old, who arrived in the Lion City some five months ago in late May.
“But everything goes fast. After one and a half months, I feel settled. My wife and two kids (aged four and two) are here with me, which is very important. On the footballing side, I now understand the league and the players a bit better.
“In the beginning, I wanted to be everywhere and be a part of everything. But now I know what matters and where to position myself to be even more beneficial to my team. It’s been good, and I want to keep this momentum going.”
Lennart arrived in Singapore after a long season in Europe, having played 32 league games for Dutch Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle from August 2023 to May 2024.
Ever the consummate professional, he is keen to downplay any excuses related to fatigue, and insists instead that he is eager to play a more pivotal role for the Sailors.
“Fatigue is definitely not an issue. We’ve got some rest in between matches, and we have everything at the club to ensure we recover properly. I feel physically sharp and ready to contribute,” said the former German Under-20 forward.
“So far, my efforts have been good, but I’ve missed some chances, and I know I can do better at finishing them. I set high expectations for myself, and I’m committed to being in the best possible shape to help the team achieve success this season.”
Now, he is eager to carry that momentum into the continental arena, with a crucial AFC Champions League (ACL) Two away game against Indonesia Liga 1 side Persib Bandung coming up on Thursday (24 October) night.
The Sailors currently lead Group F after an opening 2-0 victory over China’s Zhejiang Professional, and they are determined to make a breakthrough in their third consecutive season representing Singapore in AFC club competitions.
“These are the types of games that the team is clearly very pumped up for, as we want to challenge ourselves against these top teams in Asia and represent the country well,” said Lennart.
“Against Zhejiang, we were disciplined and compact – we executed the game plan, and it was a well-deserved win.
“That’s the benchmark for us. If we can perform at this level and give nothing less than 100 percent in every game, I believe we have a good chance to qualify for the last 16.”
Despite his goal scoring prowess, Lennart’s game goes beyond just putting the ball in the back of the net. Against Zhejiang, he delivered a classic target man performance, consistently holding up the ball and creating opportunities for his teammates.
And Lennart revealed that he aims to replicate that display against Persib, as the Sailors’ No. 9 said, “At this level, it’s crucial to have someone who can hold the ball and invite pressure, allowing the team to push forward and find more passing options.
“My role is extremely important in these games, and I will do everything I can to help the team, even if I can’t score.”
The upcoming encounter with Persib also pits Lennart against a familiar foe from the Eredivisie — Nick Kuipers. The two faced off back in March 2019, when Lennart scored twice to secure a 3-0 victory for PEC Zwolle over FC Emmen, in which Kuipers played as a central defender.
“It’s a nice little memory and I still remember this game. He’s a good player and I’m looking forward to the duel again,” he said.