Mark Jackson and Kenneth Duggal acknowledged the need to avoid underestimating their opponents and to perform at their best, with the goal of reaching the SHOPEE CUP 2025-26 final.
Ahead of the match in the ASEAN Club Championship "SHOPEE CUP 2025/26" semifinal second leg between Buriram United and Johor Darul Ta'zim, the game is scheduled for Wednesday, 13 May 2026, kicking off at 19:00 at Buriram Stadium, with live broadcast on Thairath TV channel 32.
Recently, Mark Jackson spoke about the team's readiness before the game: "We hope to secure a win tomorrow, but as with every match at this high level, it will always be tough. We performed well in the first leg, but we must not underestimate our opponents. We need to stay focused and improve our performance."
"Regarding the advantage of winning the first leg, I am satisfied with our performance, but we must stay focused and prepare the team well, which is very important. We have our own preparation methods, and maintaining consistency will help us. We need to analyze each player on the opposing team. Johor Darul Ta'zim is a strong team, but our approach will remain the same: focus and achieve our objectives."
"As for the home advantage, Buriram United has never lost in this competition on home ground. We discuss the psychological aspects of playing, which are critical at this level. How we prepare the team involves technical, tactical, and psychological elements. We try to manage all these to prepare the team. I believe psychology is very important. Johor Darul Ta'zim visiting our home will be a tough challenge, just as it was when we played at their home."
"For a great club like Buriram United, expectations are already high. As a coach and player, we want to win every match. I am never afraid; instead, I turn it into excitement playing big games like this. Certainly, losing is disappointing, especially in a semifinal where defeat brings sadness. I am ready to face the pressure in front of the fans, prepare the team, and get the players ready for tomorrow's match."
"In every game, the fans come to support us. Sometimes we face difficult situations against tough opponents at this level, which makes our players stronger. The fans cheer us on wholeheartedly and do everything as they have before."
Meanwhile, Kenneth Duggal stated, "Tomorrow is an important game. We have prepared well and performed strongly in the previous match. We are confident playing at home and in front of our fans. We believe we will advance to the final."
"In the five encounters between us, Buriram United has never lost. Over the two seasons, we met them five times and they never beat us. I will try to maintain this record and we will not underestimate the opponent. We will do our job to reach the final. Tomorrow, I hope many fans will come to support us. We will celebrate together at this stadium."