Coach Hudson: Thailand must beat Sri Lanka - Asian Cup 2027
Before the away match at Racecourse International, coach Anthony Hudson affirmed that Thailand did not make excuses and only set a single goal: to defeat Sri Lanka to advance in Group D, aiming for the 9th winning streak.
“No excuses, the only goal is to win” – that is the decisive message from coach Anthony Hudson before the match between Thailand and Sri Lanka in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, Group D. Playing away at Racecourse International (Sri Lanka), Thailand considers this a pivotal match to get closer to the ticket to the next round and extend the streak of 8 consecutive wins.
Message from the steering committee: no complacency, no excuses
Speaking at a press conference on the afternoon of November 17, Coach Hudson emphasized the challenge of playing in Sri Lanka: “Playing in Sri Lanka is always difficult, especially against a team with good physical foundation, strong in competition and possessing many technical players. We have prepared carefully to deal with that.”
He recognized that the opponent was organized and of good quality, and asked his students to maintain intensity and absolute concentration: “They are a strong team, playing together. I emphasized to my students that our goal must be very clear, which is to win. There is no room for subjectivity.”
The American coach's view is consistent: "We will not make excuses if the results are not as expected. The whole team is only aiming for one thing: to win to get closer to the next round."
Tactical suggestions: countermeasures against physical strength and disputes
From what Hudson described, Sri Lanka’s big difference to recent opponents lies in their playing style and pitch conditions. The emphasis on physicality, tackling and cohesion from their opponents suggests Thailand are likely to prioritise safety in midfield, transition management and positional discipline to avoid getting caught up in unfavourable duels.
Despite having just taken over the team, Coach Hudson affirmed that he understands the Southeast Asian environment and appreciates the development in terms of expertise and facilities in the region. On the contrary, he focuses on spirit and concentration – two factors that can decide the result in the context of playing away.
Short preparation frame, high strength requirement
The preparation time of only 2-3 days, according to coach Hudson, is not an obstacle if the team maintains confidence and desire. The difference in playing conditions between Sri Lanka and Turkmenistan – Thailand’s two closest opponents – forces the coaching staff to adjust the tempo and physical condition. That further reinforces the choice to approach the match with discipline, limit errors and optimize set-piece situations, where fierce disputes can create turning points.
Pressure and motivation
Playing away from home means pressure from the stands and the weather, but coach Hudson sees it as mental fuel. “We know there will be pressure, especially when we play away, but the team will turn that pressure into motivation to extend our eight-game winning streak to nine,” he said.
Respect for the opponent coupled with a clear goal helped Thailand redefine the standard of competition: no compromise with subjectivity, no excuses from the outside context. In a group where each point can decide the chance to go further, a victory over Sri Lanka is more strategic than statistical.
Quick match information
- Tournament: 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers, Group D
- Press conference venue: Racecourse International (Sri Lanka)
- Coach's message: No excuses, the goal is to win
- Form streak: 8 consecutive wins (target to increase to 9)
- Preparation time: 2–3 days
Closing the press conference, Coach Hudson thanked Thai fans and media for their support, and reaffirmed that only one result was acceptable in this match: victory.