BANGKOK (29 Nov 2012) – Append below are the quotes from the pre-match Press Conference for the match between Philippines and Myanmar tomorrow. The match will be played at the Supachalasai Stadium with kick-off at 2020hrs.
Michael Weiss – Philippines chief coach
“The win over Vietnam has put us in a good position. It has put it in our own hands to decide whether we will make the semi-finals this year.
At this point, every team has the chance to go through to the next round but we should decide on our own fate.
The absence of (central midfield Jerry) Lucena? We have to wait until after the training session this evening. (Ray) Jonsson is injured so we have to look at options.
We have a good pool of players, so we are not too worried about this. Everybody knows the system and whoever we choose can fill the gap. Everyone can support the team and this is good.
We have a good mix of European-based players and the locals. They can guide the younger players in the squad.
Myanmar are a strong counter-attack side with good midfield and defensive players. But I don’t think that it will do them any good.
They have to come out and to be on the offensive. They need the points. It is interesting to see what they have planned for the switch defence to offensive mode.
Everybody knows Myanmar No. 8 (Kyi Lin), he is a fast player and he’s fantastic. But there will not be man to man marking. We just have to make sure that he is stopped from making his runs. It will have to be a team effort against a serious opponent.”
Dennis Cagara – Philippines No. 8
“We are in a comfortable position and we are looking forward to a good game. It is an important match ahead and we are preparing well. We expect a good atmosphere.
I think that the team is much stronger that it was in 2010. We will achieve our goal (to make the next round).”
Tin Myint Aung – Myanmar assistant coach
“We have to play very hard. We have no choice as we have to win.
After the loss to Thailand, we have to spend time to re-motivate the players. We have to re-build the team’s confidence for this crucial match.
Certainly, we did not expect such a big loss (to Thailand). But we told the players that when you lose concentration, you will lose for sure.
Philippines are physically stronger and their playing style is different. They have made a lot of improvements in the last two years.
Our players will have to work harder against a difficult opponent. But we will prepare something for the Philippines.”
Kyi Lin – Myanmar No. 8
“We need the result, we have no choice.
We tried very hard (against Thailand), so we are sorry for the loss.
I believe we can win the fight against the Philippines in the next match.”
Pictures by Thananuwat Srirasant (World Sport Group)
