Thailand national team coach apologizes after losing to Philippines, admits AFF Cup is difficult

Thailand lost 1-2 on the Philippines' field on the evening of December 27 in the first leg of the AFF Cup 2024 semi-finals. According to statistics, this is the first time in 52 years that Thailand has lost to the Philippines.

After the match, coach Masatada Ishii of the Thai national team shared: "I apologize for the result of this match. I did not know that we had never lost to them in this tournament before. The AFF Cup is a difficult tournament where winning or losing can happen at any time."

Thailand national football team unexpectedly lost 1-2 on the Philippines' field

“I have not reviewed all the details from the beginning of the match. But as I said before, making mistakes in the home field is something we need to review to find a way to fix. Regarding the players' physical condition, I cannot confirm anything at the moment because the match has just ended. We need to carefully check their health status,” Mr. Masatada Ishii affirmed.

The Japanese coach continued: “We need to review the match, analyze and overcome our weaknesses, to play better in the second leg at home against the Philippines. The players always try their best for the national team, both in training and in matches. That shows their dedication.”

“After this match, we have to carefully evaluate the two goals conceded and find ways to avoid making similar mistakes. We also need to carefully consider the players we will use in the return match.

In this match, we conceded a goal first but then equalized. In the second half, the Thai players played well and maintained stability, but conceded a goal from a free kick. Maybe the change in personnel affected the team. Some players were a bit worried, but I believe that the Thai team will come back stronger," coach Masatada Ishii declared.

The return match between Thailand and the Philippines will take place at Rajamangala Stadium on December 30. With a 1-goal difference, the Thai team still has a chance to beat the Philippines to win a ticket to the final of the AFF Cup 2024.

Son Tung

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/hlv-dt-thai-lan-xin-loi-sau-tran-thua-philippines-thua-nhan-aff-cup-kho-khan-ar916756.html