BANGKOK (21 Dec 2014) – AFF Suzuki Cup 2014 winning coach Kiatisak Senamuang revealed that the key to his side’s winning performance was the pep talk he gave the players at the half.
Thailand, who were down 2-0 at the break, conceded a third goal after the break. But they came back magnanimously to score two goals late in the game for a 3-2 victory in Bukit Jalil.
That gave them a 4-3 win on aggregate for their fourth AFF title.
“It was very hard to play against the Malaysians especially when they were playing at home,” said Kiatisak.
“But at the half when we were 2-0 down, I asked them whether they want to play or otherwise. If the answer is no and they want to lose, then they can go back home.
“So for these young players to come back the way they did was fantastic.”
Asked about the penalty against the Thais, Kiatisak replied: “respect the referee better. We also got a penalty in Bangkok, so there should not be any issue.”
Goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan who gave away three goals to the Malaysians, said that he was confident that the team will stage a fightback late in the game.
“The Malaysians played really well but I was confident that we can score against them.”
