Kiatisak determined to secure title
Thailand coach believes players can cope with hostile atmosphere at Bukit Jalil as Malaysia look to overturn a 2-0 deficit
Tor Chittnand
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had this to say to the Thai team yesterday: "I have watched them play on TV and I'd like to thank the players, coach and manager of the War Elephants for bringing happiness to Thais. Don't be nervous. I will give you moral support. Don't put extra pressure on yourselves." CHANAT KATANYU
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang yesterday vowed to bring home the AFF Suzuki Cup trophy after today’s second leg of the final.
“Tomorrow’s game, I want to see a beautiful game. Malaysia have a strong team. We have a two-goal lead but it is not easy. There will be a big crowd and we must get the trophy back to Thailand,” the 41-year-old coach told a press conference.
“I forget the last match — we start now zero-zero. Our style is an attacking style.”
Although Thailand lead 2-0 after the first leg in Bangkok on Wednesday, Kiatisak said he had no intention of letting his players sit back and defend in today’s decider.
“We will play safe but that does not mean we will just sit back and try to protect our lead. It could be dangerous if we only try to defend our goal,’’ said Kiatisak, who won the Asean title three times as a player.
Thailand have won the crown three times, the last in 2002 when Kiatisak was captain of the Thai team.
Kiatisak is confident his youthful team can handle the intimidating atmosphere expected at the 100,000 capacity
capacity
Meaning: the total amount or number that can be contained
Thai Translation: ปริมาณสูงสุดที่จะรับได้
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Bukit Jalil Stadium.
He said he had told his players to focus on their roles and block out the crowd.