Thailand coach: We did not come here to play defense

“This is an important match. Just like the semi-final against Malaysia, we have a difficult match tomorrow, but the whole team is aiming for the championship,” Coach Mano Polking said at a press conference before the first leg of the AFF Cup 2022 final againstVietnam Team.

Comparing the difference between the current Vietnam team and the AFF Cup 2020 (held in 2021), Coach Mano Polking said: “Of course there are differences, but what is important is what we want. Vietnam has a full squad, while Thailand lacks some key players. However, we are still a quality team and want to achieve the same results as the previous AFF Cup.”

"Vietnam has good physical strength, plays with ball control and is playing at home, with the support of the audience. They also have one more day off than us and do not have to travel in the first leg. That is the advantage of the Vietnamese team," the captain of the Thai team assessed his opponent in the final match.

Coach Mano Polking affirmed that the Thai team did not play defensively against the Vietnamese team. Photo by Hai Hoang

Responding to the question about whether the Thai team might have trouble playing at My Dinh Stadium with poor pitch quality, the German coach said: “I need to check and review the My Dinh pitch. I was here at the 31st SEA Games and now want to see how the pitch has changed. But I think My Dinh Stadium is not bad, it can be suitable for playing football. After tonight's training session, I will have an answer. I would like to emphasize that the pitch condition cannot prevent Thailand from aiming for the result of winning.”

In the first leg of the final, Thailand had 5 players with yellow cards, at risk of being suspended in the second leg. Talking about this issue, the German strategist said: “Vietnam also has 4 players with yellow cards. I don’t know if they will play in tomorrow’s match or not. We understand the rules, and the players themselves understand, conscious of not committing unnecessary fouls to receive yellow cards. But if they are unlucky, in the second leg we will have changes, with enough players to maintain a good squad.”

Evaluating the defense that has not conceded a goal in the AFF Cup 2022 of the Vietnamese team, Coach Mano said: "Vietnam has a quality defense, but they will face a team with the best attack in the tournament. This is definitely a beautiful, exciting match. I need a good result, a draw is okay but a win is better. I want a goal. Thailand did not come here to play defense but to score. I understand the away goal rule."

“I used to work in Vietnam. Knowing the culture and style of play in Vietnam helps me a bit. But the biggest thing is understanding my team and my players. I like the way of playing and the personalities of the Vietnamese players, but I focus on my players and the game to get good results,” Coach Mano Polking concluded.