Buriram United FC coach Mark Jackson is determined his team will bounce back from a rare domestic defeat to pick up the win required against DH Cebu FC on Wednesday to secure their place in the semi-finals of the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™.
The Thai League 1 champions suffered a 2-0 loss against Bangkok United FC on Sunday, which was only the club’s second defeat in that competition in 19 matches, and the English tactician is determined to use the reversal as the spur for a positive result in the Shopee Cup™.
Buriram United are third in Group A but, with top two Selangor FC and BG Pathum United FC facing off in Malaysia, the defending champions know a win will guarantee progress to the next round and could be enough to claim top spot in the standings.
“We’re really looking forward to the game,” said Jackson. “We’re coming off the back of a defeat in the Thai League, so we’re very motivated to respond positively and to progress in this competition.”
A 4-1 win over Tampines Rovers FC last week kept Buriram United’s qualification hopes alive after a run of three draws in the competition and Jackson believes that victory will give his side the confidence boost to go on and confirm their progress to May’s semi-finals.
“Getting the three points in that match was really important for us, as it was a must-win game to keep our qualification hopes alive,” he said.
“We assessed the performance and were pleased to score goals. That result made our objective very clear for tomorrow — to win the game and score goals.
“We know it will be a challenge (against DH Cebu) because every opponent we face wants to work hard and stop us from playing. Our focus will be on how we want to play and on delivering a strong performance.”
DH Cebu go into the clash having already been eliminated from the competition after picking up a solitary point from their previous four matches in Group A but coach Glenn Ramos is hoping his team can go out on a high.
“It has been a very good experience for us,” he said of the team’s involvement in the Shopee Cup™. As champions in the Philippines, this competition has given our players valuable exposure at a high level.
“We have faced strong clubs from across Asia, and this match in Thailand is another important learning opportunity. Playing against Buriram United, one of the top teams here, is a great experience for our players.
“Thai teams are very strong and well organised. We have worked hard on our strategy, especially defensively, and this will be a big challenge for us. Our players are motivated and ready, and we will try our best tomorrow.”
Share now
