The Thai team faces a difficult task when having to play away at My Dinh Stadium in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final. The 0-2 defeat at Rajamangala forced the Golden Temple team to win with a minimum difference of 3 goals if they wanted to reverse the situation.
Sharing at the press conference before the second leg final held at noon on August 25, coach Anthony Hudson admitted that Thailand missed regrettable opportunities in the first leg, but said that his team still has grounds to believe in the ability to create surprises.
We know we are losing 2 goals. In that match, Thailand had many chances and was quite regretful. But we still have faith in our performance," coach Hudson shared.
According to the British strategist, the important thing for Thailand at this time is to maintain concentration and promote the ability of the players. He also showed respect for the Vietnamese team, while emphasizing the cohesion of the Golden Temple country team.
We are a team that has spent a lot of time together. I believe my team played well. We respect the Vietnamese team, because they are a very strong team," Mr. Hudson said.
Coach Hudson also recalled the moment when Thai players witnessed the Vietnamese team celebrate after the first leg. According to him, those emotions need to be remembered by the players to create more motivation before the decisive match.
I want the players to believe in their performance. We only lost at that time. I have many young players and I love this team, love the time working with them, as well as the way they treat each other," coach Hudson said.
Under pressure to attack to find a goal, the Thai team is likely to proactively push up the squad. However, coach Hudson did not specifically disclose the tactical plan for the second leg.
Tomorrow's match is under great pressure to play away, but I want young players to show their ability," he said.
The Thai coach also affirmed that he is not too worried about his future after the tournament. "I am not worried about my seat. This season is very good, but there are also many difficulties for Thailand," Mr. Hudson emphasized.
Regarding the goal in the second leg final, coach Hudson affirmed that Thailand will try their best to find an opportunity to reverse the situation.
Our goal is very simple, which is to show our best in the second leg final," said coach Anthony Hudson.
The second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final will take place at 8:00 PM tomorrow (August 26th) at My Dinh Stadium.
