‘Thailand will regain its image, the Philippines will cry because it did not reach the final’

The Thai coach made an unprecedented strong statement

In the semi-final first leg, held at Rizal Memorial Stadium (Philippines, December 27), the Philippine team unexpectedly defeated Thailand 2-1. After 52 years, the Thai team lost to the Philippines in an official match. However, the opportunity to advance is still intact for “War Elephants” when the second leg will be played at Rajamangala’s home ground. Thai media assessed that the recent loss was more like an “accident” than a lack of expertise. Therefore, the rematch will be the time when Thailand shows its strength and asserts itself as the number 1 candidate for the championship.

Appearing at a press conference on the afternoon of December 29, coach Masatada Ishii expressed: “In the first leg, I regret that the Thai team had to lose. We must quickly stand up and return to our original image. What Thailand has done well, we will continue to improve. Even though we didn’t have time to practice, we held many meetings and pointed out mistakes that needed to be overcome.”

The Japanese coach said in more detail: “The two goals conceded in the first leg were carefully studied. After reviewing the video, we discussed and analyzed it and came up with appropriate defensive exercises. All Thai players are very focused and we will definitely not concede a goal like that again.”

Notably, after the 1-2 defeat in the first leg, Thai media criticized coach Masatada Ishii’s way of using players. When asked about the changes in the second leg, coach Masatada Ishii frankly said: “My assistants and I have discussed and there will definitely be changes in the next match. Every player on the field must keep their desire to defeat the Philippine team. In the AFF Cup, each team must calculate carefully for each match. The situation right now is that the Philippines has an advantage over Thailand. However, with an advantage of only 1 goal, Thailand can completely turn everything around. Everyone still did very well and I believe that in tomorrow’s match, Thailand will win.”

‘Thailand will make the Philippines cry’

Appearing with coach Masatada Ishii at the press conference on the afternoon of December 29, defender Chalermsak Aukkee confidently declared: “When Thailand lost to the Philippines, I realized that not only the players but also all the fans were very sad and disappointed. That’s why we want to win the return match to be in the final. I remember that after the first leg, the Philippines won against Thailand and they were so happy that they cried. And in this return match, I think the Philippines will cry again. However, it’s not because they were too happy, but because the Philippines was defeated by Thailand and did not make it to the finals.”

Chalermsak Aukkee also pointed out how Thailand resolved the problem after the first leg: “Thailand had important meetings to see what mistakes they made in the first leg. Thailand has many new players, joining the team for the first time, so mistakes are inevitable. However, head coach Masatada Ishii made corrections and had effective exercises. In addition, the experienced players on the team all try to promote their roles and encourage the young people. I am confident that Thailand will overcome difficulties in the second leg and defeat the Philippines.”