Coach Hudson: 'Thailand absolutely must not underestimate Singapore'

Coach Anthony Hudson affirmed that the Thailand national team will not look beyond the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-final against Singapore, while emphasizing that the "War Elephants" must absolutely not underestimate their opponents.

This afternoon, August 14, at the Jalan Besar stadium press room, the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) held a press conference before the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-final between Singapore and Thailand.

Attending the press conference for the Thailand team were head coach Anthony Hudson and right-back Waris Chuthong.

Before the clash with Singapore, Coach Anthony Hudson did not place much importance on statistics or past head-to-head records. The Thailand manager wants his players to focus entirely on the 90 minutes at Jalan Besar Stadium.

"Personally, I don't think too much about past head-to-head records. But if we win this match, it would certainly be a good thing, in terms of pride and making history. However, the most important thing is how we play.

I have emphasized to the players that both in attack and defense, we must play together as a team. Fortunately, in the previous match, we had rotation and players could substitute for each other. That also helped that none of the players who received yellow cards in the group stage are suspended for this match.

As a coaching staff, we are very proud that the players have done very well and achieved their goals. Some players have also become accustomed to this kind of situation over time.

I admit that each player faces enormous personal pressure, from the surrounding opinions to the fact that they are in the pre-season period but have to accelerate to reach their best fitness for this tournament.

Statistics are another matter. What matters is how we play in tomorrow's match, and that's what we need to focus on. We haven't thought about the second leg at home yet. Tomorrow, I will consider this as the final match, our only match. I haven't thought about the next one," Coach Hudson said.

Although the Thailand team is rated higher, Hudson had many words of praise for Singapore and especially emphasized that his players must not be complacent.

"I have great respect for the opponent Singapore. They have been improving continuously over the years, have a good coach, and have players I know quite well.

Singapore players work very hard, coordinate well with each other, and always give their best when representing the national team. Of course, we respect them.

The important thing is that we absolutely must not underestimate Singapore. This is a very important opponent that we have to find a way to deal with. The message I want to send to Singapore is that we will never underestimate them," the Thailand head coach emphasized.

Thailand enters the semi-finals with an impressive defensive record, having not conceded a goal in the group stage. According to Hudson, this result comes from the team spirit and focus of the entire squad throughout the tournament.

"I think this is a long tournament. Being together for a long period of time is very difficult. But I think we are lucky because everyone has integrated very well from the first day.

Everyone works incredibly hard. All work together as a team in every training session, every week, and have a very high understanding of each other.

The fact that we didn't concede a single goal in the group stage is fantastic, I have to praise all the players. That achievement comes from everyone dedicating and working hard in every training session," Hudson shared.

Coach Anthony Hudson said he is satisfied with Thailand's preparation before the semi-final. However, the manager admitted that Singapore is a different challenge compared to the opponents the "War Elephants" faced in the group stage.

"We have trained well throughout the past week. I am satisfied with the team's preparation over the whole week.

The preparation method is probably not much different from the four group stage matches. However, we also have to prepare carefully because this is a different opponent and one we respect because they have strength.

We believe we will give our best and this will be a good match. I am very excited looking forward to this match."

Hudson had the opportunity to face Singapore last November. However, he believes that the current Lion City team has undergone many changes and Thailand must be thoroughly prepared.

"I consider Singapore a strong team. They have a good organization of play both in attack and defense. I want to praise their head coach for conveying tactical ideas very well to the players.

We respect Singapore very much. I have faced the Singapore national team last November, so I have a certain understanding and familiarity with them. However, the Singapore then and the Singapore now have differences.

Our coaching staff has prepared very thoroughly to deal with them. We try to prepare countermeasures against Singapore's strengths.

I think we are ready because we know our strengths and what we do well. We are in a state of readiness to face Singapore."

Also attending the press conference, right-back Waris Chuthong specifically mentioned Ilhan Fandi, a player he considers the biggest threat on the Singapore side.

"I am very happy to have reached this stage. I want to achieve what my predecessors did, those who helped the Thailand team win this tournament.

For me, the most dangerous player of Singapore is Ilhan Fandi. Ilhan has great talent and quality. Whenever he plays, Ilhan always shows great desire, both for himself and for the national team.

There is an interesting thing: during the tournament, I have had quite a few occasions to chat with Ilhan, yet now we have to face each other.

Although off the field we are friends, during the 90 minutes tomorrow, we will not be friends. We will become friends again after the final whistle," Waris Chuthong said.

The first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-final between Singapore and Thailand takes place at Jalan Besar Stadium at 8:00 PM on August 15. For Hudson, the Thailand team has not yet considered the advantage of playing the second leg at home, but for now is only focused on the goal of achieving a good result right in Singapore.