Thailand's coach hints at... the player who provoked Xuan Son, preparing for a penalty shootout.

Thailand's determination

A 1-2 defeat in the first leg of the 2024 AFF Cup final puts Thailand in a difficult position ahead of the return match against Vietnam. Coach Masatada Ishii's team must win by a two-goal margin to win the championship, or at least by one goal to force the match into extra time (or a 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 have conducted a thorough analysis after the first leg. The players could not stop Xuan Son. However, Thailand will correct their mistakes. We must leave the worst behind and prepare well for the second leg of the final," Mr. Ishii analyzed.

Coach Masatada Ishii

Central defender Chalermsak Aukkee suffered health problems after the first leg of the final. The key Thai player had previously told the press that he "didn't know who Xuan Son was," along with provocative statements directed at the Vietnamese team. However, in the first leg of the final, it was Chalermsak who made the mistake that led to Thailand conceding the second goal against Vietnam.

"After completing today's training session, the Thai team will re-evaluate their squad to finalize the starting lineup for tomorrow's match. Will Chalermsak start? You will know tomorrow," coach Ishii shared. The Japanese coach also prepared a penalty shootout scenario in the second leg of the 2024 AFF Cup final, stating: "I think the match will have a penalty shootout, so I have prepared carefully."

The Thai team is tired.

Coach Ishii also admitted that the Thai team is facing fitness issues due to the packed 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 exhausted from traveling and have only two days to recover.

"After the first leg, the Thai players are very tired. We faced many difficulties. I spoke with the players in the locker room, and the priority right now is physical recovery. The players who will start tomorrow will have to try to correct their mistakes and play according to the planned tactics. The Thai players understand their responsibility when playing at home at Rajamangala Stadium. They will have to give their all in front of tens of thousands of fans," Ishii affirmed.

The Japanese coach also added: "The Thai team is in a generational transition phase. After the AFF Cup 2024, the players will return to compete in the domestic league. I will choose the squad for the next tournament depending on the actual situation. As for who to choose for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, I cannot reveal it at this time."

The Vietnamese national team will face Thailand in the second leg of the 2024 AFF Cup final, taking place at 8 PM on January 5th.

Watch the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 live and in its entirety onFPT Play, at: http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-thai-lan-up-mo-ve-cau-thu-tung-khieu-khich-xuan-son-chuan-bi-da-luan-luu-185250104121746377.htm