Thai coach opens up about… the player who provoked Xuan Son, preparing for a penalty shootout

Thailand’s determination

The 1-2 defeat in the first leg of the AFF Cup 2024 final put Thailand in a difficult position before the rematch of the Vietnamese team. Coach Masatada Ishii and his team must win with a difference of 2 goals to win the championship, or at least 1 goal to drag the match into extra time (or penalty shootout).

According to Mr. Ishii, the Thai team let Xuan Son loose in the first leg, creating conditions for the naturalized striker of the Vietnamese team to score 2 goals. “We conducted a thorough analysis after the first leg. The players were unable to stop Xuan Son. However, Thailand will correct their mistakes. We must leave the worst behind and prepare.” good for the final second leg,” Mr. Ishii analyzed.

Midfielder Chalermsak Aukkee had health problems after the first leg of the final. Thailand’s key player once responded to the press that he “didn’t know who Xuan Son was” and made provocative statements about the Vietnamese team. However, in the first leg of the final, it was Chalermsak who made a mistake, causing Thailand to concede a second goal to Vietnam.

“After completing today’s practice session, the Thai team will reassess their strength to finalize the starting lineup for tomorrow’s match. Will Chalermsak start? You will know tomorrow,” coach Ishii shared. The Japanese teacher also prepared the penalty shootout scenario for the second leg of the AFF Cup 2024 final with the statement: “I thought the match would have a penalty shootout so I prepared carefully.”

The Thai team is tired

Coach Ishii also admitted that the Thai team is having physical problems with the tight schedule. Before the first leg of the final, Suphanat Muenta and his teammates only had one full day of rest. Similarly in the second leg, the players are tired from traveling and have only 2 days to recover.

“After the first leg, the Thai players were very tired. We encountered many difficulties. I talked to the players in the dressing room, that the priority now is to recover physically. The players Tomorrow’s starters will have to try to correct mistakes and play according to the outlined strategy. Thai players understand their responsibility when playing at home in Rajamangala. They will have to give their all in front of dozens thousands of fans,” Mr. Ishii affirmed.

The Japanese coach also added: “The Thai team is in a generational transition period. After the 2024 AFF Cup, the players will return to compete in the domestic tournament. I will depend on the actual situation.” to choose the squad for the next tournament. Who to choose for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers is an issue I cannot reveal at this time.”

The Vietnamese team will compete against Thailand in the final leg of the AFF Cup 2024, taking place at 8:00 p.m. on January 5.