THAILAND COACH ROBSON TO EVALUATE FRESHNESS OF PLAYERS

Robson’s problem was that many of his players were involved in domestic competitions including the FA Cup and were unable to join the rest of their teammates to prepare for the region’s most prestigious football competition which begins tomorrow.

“We have not had much preparations as many of the players were playing in the FA Cup and league. This evening’s session will be our first with the whole team. Some players have come in with some knocks and injuries and we will have to see how they are today,” Robson said about the one-hour session the team will have at the Gelora Bung Karno this evening .

“I have to see evaluate the freshness of all the players. I’m also not too concerned as 16 of my players come from three teams, so they know each other well. We have also kept a similar team.”

On Laos, Robson said that he had seen them in action during the qualifying tournament.

“I saw them against Cambodia and they are a good side. In fact, all the teams here are strong and will not be easy for anyone.”

Laos are in Group A here alongside Thailand, Malaysia and host Indonesia.

Laos team manager Pasatxay Philaphandeth said that his team was cautious of Thailand and the others. “After the qualifying competitions, we had several more matches including some games in Singapore before arriving here. It will be tough but we will give it our best.”