Hudson delivers a straightforward message to Singapore ahead of the 2026 ASEAN Cup semifinal first leg.
On 14 August 2026 at 15:00 Thailand time, at the press room of Jalan Besar Stadium, the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) held a press conference ahead of the first leg of the 2026 ASEAN Cup semifinal between Singapore, ranked 148th in the world, and Thailand, ranked 94th.
At the press conference, Hudson said, “Personally, I don't focus much on past head-to-head statistics, but winning this game would be great in terms of pride and making history. However, the key is the approach.”
“I have emphasized to the players the importance of playing both offense and defense as a team. Fortunately, in previous games, we rotated players well, and they were able to cover for each other. This also ensured no player suspended due to yellow card accumulation will miss this game.”
“As a coaching staff member, I am proud of the players for performing excellently and meeting our goals. Some players are also familiar with the situation. I acknowledge that each player faces significant personal pressure, including media attention and the preseason efforts to reach peak fitness.”
“In this tournament, statistics are one aspect, but what matters is our playing style in tomorrow’s game, which we must focus on. We have not looked ahead to the second leg at home; tomorrow, I treat it as our final and only game, not thinking beyond that.”
“I hold great respect for our opponents, the Singapore national team. They have steadily developed over the years with good coaching and players I know well. Like us, Singaporean players work hard, play well together, and give their best as national representatives.”
“Of course, we respect them. The important thing is we won’t underestimate Singapore. They are a significant opponent we must prepare to face. This message is for Singapore: we will never overlook them.”
“I think this tournament is long and challenging to stay together for so long, but we are fortunate that everyone has worked smoothly as a team from day one, showing incredible hard work.”
“Everyone works together as a team in every weekly training session, with high mutual understanding. Not conceding a single goal in the group stage is remarkable and deserves full credit to all players. It comes from everyone’s dedication and full effort in every practice.”
“We have trained well throughout the past week. I am satisfied with the team’s preparation, which hasn’t differed much from the four group stage games. At the same time, we must prepare to face a different opponent whom we respect for their strength. We are confident we will do our best and have a good game. I feel excited about this match.”
“I see Singapore as a strong team with well-planned offensive and defensive tactics. Credit goes to their head coach, who has effectively conveyed ideas to the players. We respect Singapore greatly, having faced them last November, so we understand and are familiar with them.”
“However, Singapore now is different from back then. As coaching staff, we have prepared well to counter their strengths. Our team is ready because we know our own strengths and are in a good position to face Singapore.”},{
Leg 1 on 15 August 2026
20:00 Singapore vs. Thailand (Jalan Besar Stadium)
Leg 2 on 18 August 2026
20:00 Thailand vs. Singapore (Rajamangala Stadium)
Live broadcast on: TrueVisions Now app
Tickets available at >>https://ticketmaster.co.th/activity/detail/26th_aseancup2026
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