Anthony Hudson gave a full interview after announcing the Thailand national team squad to face Turkmenistan.
On 12 March 2026 GMT+7, after Anthony Hudson, head coach of the Thailand national team, announced the 23-player squad preparing to face Turkmenistan in the final Group D match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers on 31 March.
Hudson spoke about the issues regarding player selection for this camp.
- It was a difficult squad announcement!
"It was a tough decision for me. Many players from the last camp, and some who weren't selected last time, were considered. I also spoke with those not chosen. For each omission, I had to explain why, which is difficult, but there are still many games ahead."
- The match brings pressure, but he has handled such pressure before.
"It's not just me feeling pressure; everyone does. I understand what it takes. The key is making sure everyone is as ready as possible to perform at their best."
"This game isn't the most pressured I've faced. I have experience managing many high-pressure matches. When I coached Bahrain in my early 30s, we needed to win to reach the Asian Cup finals, which is similar to this situation."
- What was the hardest decision?
"The hardest was not selecting some players from the previous camp this time. I personally spoke with them. Everyone works differently, but we respect all players. It's right to talk to them so they can aim to rejoin the team. If I hadn’t spoken to them before announcing, they wouldn’t have received feedback from the selectors."
- What is your view on Yotsakorn Burapha?
"To be honest, Bank Suphanat remains a primary choice, but I have never worked with Suphanat before. He’s a very special player, and I feel sorry about his injury and hope he recovers quickly. Before the Buriram game, I anticipated risks with attacking and midfield players, and the coach planned accordingly. What Mik Yotsakorn has shown is rapid improvement in a short time, which is why he deserves this opportunity. I feel confident and have no concerns about calling up Yotsakorn."
- Thoughts on the 1-3 loss to Turkmenistan?
"I watched the game we lost to Turkmenistan but won’t comment much out of respect for their coach and players. They were aggressive, played direct football with solid defense and good team chemistry. We need to increase our aggression and prepare physically before facing them."
- Why was Narubadin selected?
"Narubadin’s playing style involves fast attacking runs and pushing into the penalty area with aggression, which will benefit us in this camp."
- Some players in the squad have limited club game time—why?
"Some selected players haven’t played much recently but have quality. Their clubs may not give them many opportunities, but we choose them because their fitness and level are sufficient to help elevate our team."
- Why were Jonathan and Ben left out?
"We initially wanted Jonathan to join the team since last November. Unfortunately, he has been injured continuously. I had a chance to talk with him near a hospital in Bangkok. It’s a pity he’s not in the squad; he’s a top-level defender. We spoke privately, and he remains a key future player for Thailand. We hope for a speedy recovery."
"Ben Davis is probably the best attacking player Thailand has for the future. I want to support and help him return to the national team. We had an honest discussion so he can rejoin in the future. I still expect more from Ben, but he has excellent vision."
- Poramet is not in the squad but still has a future with the national team.
"Poramet’s absence this time doesn’t mean he’s not quality. There will be many future opportunities for him to join the national team."
- Why was Tom Buerh included despite limited playing time?
"Regarding Manuel Tom Buerh, I reviewed Turkmenistan’s late-game tactics, which involve many crosses into the penalty area. Tom’s positioning, anticipation, strength, and experience in big matches made him a valuable choice."
- Why no friendly matches in March?
"No friendlies in March because matches are frequent. We need to keep players fresh. After our last friendly win over India in a 4-4-2 system, Turkmenistan played differently away. Our new coaching staff must maximize preparation time and inform players ahead of the friendly against North Bangkok, organizing tactics similar to Turkmenistan's."
- Ready to answer all questions, aiming for a win against Turkmenistan only.
"I appreciated the early questions about player selection because it shows care for our national team. However, answers don’t depend on one person alone. The important goal is to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup finals. After the Turkmenistan match, we will ensure qualification. I welcome all questions as staff preparing the team. Players will give their all. I want fans to come to the stadium and cheer us on. Together, we will reach our goal. It’s my responsibility to make fans proud. With strong fan support, the team’s level will rise."
The selected players must report at Novotel Future Park Rangsit hotel on 23 March 2026 GMT+7 at 13:30 and train that evening at BG Training Center.
For the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying Group D matchday 6, Thailand will face Turkmenistan at Rajamangala Stadium on 31 March 2025 GMT+7 at 19:30. The match will be broadcast live on Thairath TV Channel 32, www.thairath.co.th/tv/live, Thairath TV Facebook www.facebook.com/ThairathTV, Thairath Sport Facebook www.facebook.com/ThairathSport, and YouTube: Thairath Sport.
Fans interested can purchase tickets at Thai Ticket Major via https://bit.ly/3Zs3vDG and at 11 main branches or all official outlets.