DBasia.news – One of the stars excluded in Philippines national team squad in 2018 AFF Cup is Chanathip Songkrasin. The Lionel Messi of Thailand must be absent and Timor Leste coach Norio Tsukitate is disappointed on him.
This is the home match for Timor Leste national team. The match will be conducted at Thailand home due to their own stadium’s inadequate situation.
“I’m surprised that Thailand won’t have their four main players who play abroad in the squad. Also, I’m very disappointed that I won’t have a chance to meet Chanathip Songkrasin,” the Japanese coach Norio Tsukitate said in the press conference.
Besides Chanathip Songkrasin, Thailand national team also aren’t supported by two other J1 League players, Teerasil Dangda (Sanfrecce Hiroshima) and Theerathon Bunmathan (Vissel Kobe). Also, the goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan (OH Leuven/Belgium).
Norio Tsukitate also emphasized that Timor Leste national team will try the best to play against Thailand. Moreover, this is the home match for them.
“As our home game, we will think that tomorrow in Rajamangala is our home. We are glad to play against them. They are considered to be the best in Southeast Asia,” he explained.
Timor Leste national team defender, Jorge Sabas Victor, also stated the same thing.
“We are well prepared. Thailand is a good team, we don’t know what will happen tomorrow but we are ready for it. After completing the Asian Games and a friendly match against Cambodia, we are more confident and we believe that good things will happen to us tomorrow.”
“I believe Thailand are still strong, although they don’t have those four players (Chanathip Songkrasin, Teerasil Dangda, Kawin Thamsatchanan, Theerathon Bunmathan) in their team. They are the title holders and still look dangerous like always,” Jorge Sabas Victor said.