Coach Jose Pedro said that Timor-Leste entered ASEAN Cup 2026 with less preparation time than the opponents in the group. However, he believes that the whole team has made good use of the time to prepare for the opening match against Vietnam.
We are the team with the least preparation time among the five teams in the group. The preparation process started later than the other teams, but that is the reality we have to face. However, the whole team has tried to prepare for the tournament in the best way possible. I believe Timor-Leste will have a good answer on the field. We don't have much time, but the past time has been really useful," he said.
Assessing the opponent, coach Jose Pedro respects the Vietnamese team, the defending champion of the tournament. According to him, the strength of the Vietnamese team lies not only in the outstanding individuals in the attack but also in the uniform quality in all three lines.
The Vietnamese team is a team with strength, we respect that because they are the champions of the most recent tournament. They have three players in attack who can make a very big difference. However, I see Vietnam as a complete team. Not only the three players above but also the midfield and defense possess quality players. Of course, the three attacking players are still the ones who can make a difference at any time. We have tried to prepare in the best way to face them," he shared.
Although highly appreciating the Vietnamese team, the Timor-Leste coach believes that the greatest strength of the team is still team spirit.
Our strength is always teamwork. Overcoming Brunei to win the right to participate in this tournament is the merit of the players and the working collective, not of an individual. We are a team and believe that at the appropriate times of the match, the whole team can give an answer to a very strong opponent like Vietnam.
We want to compete and grow up as a team. Only through tournaments like this can Timor-Leste develop. If it can create surprises, it will come from collective strength. Although Vietnam has very good players in attack, only the operation of the whole team can make a difference," he emphasized.
Coach Jose Pedro also revealed the football philosophy he is building for Timor-Leste is to prioritize ball control.
I completely support the playing style of the Spanish national team. I am a coach who likes to control the ball. That has been shown in the past two matches. I want the team to keep the ball because only when we have the ball can we find our way to the opponent's goal. Although Timor-Leste is still quite far from Spain's level, I still try to convey that philosophy to the players, suitable for the team's ability, to build the best possible team," he affirmed.
