Thailand assistant coach Naruephon Kaenson has urged his charges not to be overconfident although the defending champions are considered the outright favourites for SEA Games football gold medal on paper.
Before facing off Malaysia in the SEA Games final on Tuesday evening, Thailand have beaten their opponents in their last three encounters, most recently a 3-0 win in the AFC U-23 qualifying in Bangkok last month.
“Winning our recent matches (against Malaysia) does not guarantee we will win in the final. A final is always different,” said Naruephon at the pre-match press conference, as quoted by The New Straits Times.
“The smartest team which commits the least mistakes will emerge the winners. This is why I do not want my players to be too comfortable.
“We need to play our usual game and should be careful not to follow our opponent’s rhythm. Based on our preparations, I believe we will perform our best in the final”.