As Singapore gears up for its match against Thailand tomorrow for the next part of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, Coach Ogura and goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud spoke at the pre-match conference, alongside the Thai coach and striker Patrik Gustavsson:
Coach Ogura began by acknowledging Thailand’s strength as a team, describing the upcoming match as a valuable opportunity. “Thailand is a very good team, so we are prepared. We respect them, and it’s a great chance to play against them,” he said.
When reflecting on the team’s recent defensive challenges, Ogura stressed the importance of focus and teamwork across the full 90 minutes. “Defending often works, but in the last two games, we’ve had moments where we couldn’t protect as needed. Football is a team effort, and if we lose concentration, it becomes a very hard game for us,” he explained.
The coach also touched on squad depth and collaboration between clubs, particularly highlighting Safuan’s contributions. “We have replacements ready. Safuan has shown good performances with Selangor, and this relationship between clubs and management is vital for building strong, healthy teams. International football thrives on these collaborations,” he added.
Goalkeeper Izwan, a pivotal figure for the team, spoke about adapting to changes in the back line and maintaining confidence. “Even if we’re missing a player, everyone is giving 100 percent. Line-ups change, but the boys are working hard, and I trust in their professionalism,” he said.
Both Ogura and Izwan emphasized the importance of approaching the match with determination but without fear. “We are not afraid. We’re here to take on the challenge. It’s a new history, a new start,” Ogura said, adding that the players need to enjoy the game while staying confident in their abilities. “We’ll manage both time and space on the pitch, and hopefully, we can make history tomorrow.”
Izwan echoed the sentiment, highlighting the team’s determination and morale. “The boys are ready to showcase what we can do, even during these back-to-back games. The mood is good, and we’ll work hard to deliver a strong performance.”
Meanwhile on the Thai side, the Thai coach reflected on their strong start, having won the first two matches. However, he emphasised the need for continued improvement. “We started the first two games really well, but there are aspects of our performance we need to address for tomorrow. I think we’re prepared and ready for the challenge,” he said.
Looking beyond the current tournament, the coach highlighted Thailand’s focus on building for the future. “Everyone knows we qualified for the World Cup in 2006. Now, it’s about preparing the next generation. We’re taking it step by step, ensuring players can return safely from injuries and be ready for the future. Rushing things could make it worse, so we need to manage this carefully,” he explained.
Striker Patrik, who has been pivotal in Thailand’s campaign so far, shared his thoughts on the upcoming clash with Singapore. “We started the tournament well, and we’re hoping for a fun game tomorrow. Singapore wants to win as much as we do, and they’ll give 100 percent. We’ll do the same,” he said.
With confidence and a clear plan, Coach Ogura and his team are poised to face Thailand in what promises to be an exhilarating game. Fans can expect a fierce contest as both teams bring their best to the field. Fans can anticipate a thrilling encounter as both teams aim to secure the win and glory.
Starting from $10, tickets for Singapore’s ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup home matches are available for purchase via Ticketmaster. Fans are encouraged to use the promo code: ROAR24 to get discounts on their tickets.
Photo Credit: Football Association of Singapore and SNOC
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