The Philippine coach is worried about the lack of time to prepare for the match against Thailand

"I admire Thailand and they are candidates to win the AFF Cup 2022," Mr. Ferre said at a press conference on December 25. "All Thai players are good, but to choose their most dangerous player, I think Teerasil Dangda and Theerathon Bunmathan. These two players are experienced and capable of raising the bar in Thailand."

Teerasil and Theerathon were both prominent factors of Thailand in the opening match against Brunei 5-0 on December 20. Teerasil scored one goal and assisted one, while Theerathon assisted two.

Coach Ferre once led two Thai clubs, Ratchaburi and Bangkok Glass - now Pathum United, and he thinks the next match will be difficult for the Philippines. Because right after the victory over Brunei on Friday, December 23 in Manila, they had to fly to Thailand and rest. "We have fewer days off than Thailand, when the opponent has a full five days off. They also have the home field advantage and more time to prepare," he said. "But I will prepare the best for the Philippines."

The Philippines shocked when they lost to Cambodia 2-3 in the opening match, before defeating Brunei 5-1 in the second round. Coach Ferre changed five positions in these two matches, including goalkeeper, two full-backs and two midfielders. If they lose to Thailand, the opportunity for teachers and students to continue is considered to be gone.

In the last 6 periods, the Philippines has reached the semi-finals of the AFF Cup four times, although it did not go to the final. This time their composition still includes many hybrid players, including three-goal striker Kenshiro Daniels - the player who jointly leads the AFF Cup 2022 scorer list with Faisal Halim.