Pressure is on Indonesia, not Thailand in AFF Decider – Zico

Alfred Riedl and Kiatisuk Senamuang share a friendly chat before a pre-match press conference.

Bangkok, 17 Rabiul Awwal 1438/17 December 2016 (MINA) – Head coach Kiatisuk “Zico” Senamuang insists that home advantage will help Thailand win a record fifth AFF Suzuki Cup, despite going into the second leg of Saturday’s final 2-1 down to Indonesia.

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The War Elephants were cruising at 1-0 up in Wednesday’s first leg in Jakarta before an equalising goal sparked a dramatic turnaround, with the Garudas eventually winning 2-1.

Thailand still have what could be a crucial away goal, and a bullish Kiatisuk is very confident that his side will get the job done at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, espnfc.com reported.

“We play at Rajamangala,” said Kiatisuk. “Thai fans will make this place very tough for the visiting team. The pressure is not on us as we have already won the AFF Cup four times, and Indonesia have never won it. They would like to win, but tomorrow should be our fifth title and not their first.”

Kiatisuk sees an early goal as key to ensuring that they overcome this first-leg deficit.

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“We need to make a strong start, and score early if possible. The first leg was just one game. This time we will be more focused. We are 100 percent prepared.”

Thailand’s only injury concern is centre-back Tanaboon Kesarat, who is close to full fitness. As usual, Thailand’s boss kept his cards close to his chest when pressed on whether or not he would be adopting an attacking approach.

“I can’t answer this question. All I can say is that Thailand must win the match in order to win our fifth title,” he said..

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Facing a stiff challenge

While Kiatisuk is adamant that the Thais are set for victory, Indonesia head coach Alfred Riedl said it was a great thing for the tournament that the tie was still alive.

“The good thing is for all of you and all of us, the tension is still until the last match,” said Riedl. “If Thailand had won 2-0 in the first leg, the final would be done. We can expect an interesting match tomorrow.”

When reminded that he had never beaten Thailand as a coach, Riedl simply said, “Time to change. We want to win the cup but we know, of course, it will be very difficult. But we didn’t just come to Bangkok for a holiday; there are better places in Thailand to take a holiday.”

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Like Kiatisuk, Riedl was giving nothing away regarding his team selection.

When asked if he would take a defensive approach to protect the lead, he said, “Maybe, maybe not. I can’t tell you now because he [Kiatisuk] is listening. Wait for the beginning of the match, and you will see how we will play.”

Despite the first-leg deficit, Thailand remain favourites to lift the title. But they face a stiff challenge from rivals who have history on their side. No team has ever overturned a first-leg deficit in an AFF Cup final.

Kiatisuk, however, is a man who is used to making history. Having recently proved more than a match for Asian champions Australia in a World Cup qualifier on home turf, the Thais are unlikely to fear their opponents. (T/R07/R01)

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Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)