Thailand coach Anthony Hudson has backed his squad’s youngsters to make a major impact at the ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 as the War Elephants begin their quest for a record-extending eighth title against Laos in Vientiane on Saturday.
The Thais, who won the most recent of their seven titles in 2022, have never lost to Laos in three previous encounters at the competition and Hudson is confident his team can make a positive start to their Group B campaign.
“We want to make a strong start,” said the Englishman. “We want to go into the game and be positive, aggressive and attacking. We want to start the tournament strongly tomorrow.
“We have a lot of young players in the team, and they are very good and exciting players. I have a lot of belief and confidence in them.
“We do not need to put pressure on the players, and I am not going to put pressure on them. I want them to go out, express themselves and show what they are good at.”
Hudson has selected a squad that has seen him combine inexperienced talents like Yotsakorn Burapha and Chawanwit Saelao alongside veterans such as Pansa Hemviboon and Sarach Yooyen, who will be expected to guide the youngsters through the tests that lie ahead.
“We have some exciting players with different talents,” said Hudson. “There is no need for me to put any extra pressure on the young players because I want to see what they can do.
“They have trained really well, and I have been very impressed with the whole squad.
“Going into the game tomorrow, I want us to be brave and attacking. I am looking forward to the match.”
Laos’ best result against Thailand in the ASEAN Championship came in Jakarta in 2010 when the nations shared a 2-2 draw and coach Vladica Grujić is aware of the test that lies ahead for his squad.
“We know that Thailand are one of the best teams in Southeast Asia and are the favourites, but we will be playing at home,” he said. “With the support of our fans, anything is possible. We will do everything we can to achieve a good result.
“We have four matches in 10 days and a squad of 23 players. I think everyone will have an opportunity to play because it is impossible to use the same team for four matches within 10 days.
“Every player is very important to us. The players know this, and I hope they will help the team. I would also like to take this opportunity to invite our fans to come to the stadium and support us. We will fight for them, and we need their support.”
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