Defeated by the Philippines, Anthony Hudson Admits Thailand’s Focus Is on the Final
Thailand National Team head coach Anthony Hudson has explained the reasons behind his squad rotation in the match against the Philippines. Hudson stated that the decision made the most sense in order to maintain the team’s fitness levels ahead of the FIFA ASEAN Cup Final.
In the match held at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on Friday, October 2, 2026, Thailand indeed fielded a different lineup. Hudson deployed players who had seen limited playing time, ultimately failing to secure a victory in the encounter.
The English tactician admitted his disappointment with the result, feeling the match could have ended in a win. However, he was also fully aware that extensive rotation compromised the team’s balance—a trade-off made intentionally in preparation for the final.
“In my view, when you make so many changes in a single match, it inevitably destabilizes the team,” Anthony explained.
Hudson further noted that squad rotation was necessary, given that Thailand awaits a decisive clash against Indonesia in the final. Furthermore, Thailand has a shorter recovery window compared to their opponents.
“This rotation allowed us to rest five, six, or seven players today, which helps us preserve our freshness and stamina for the final. It puts us in a very advantageous position,” he added.
On the other hand, Hudson was pleased that his key players received proper rest and will be better prepared to face Indonesia. He also emphasized that the defeat would not significantly impact the squad, as the majority of the team is already fixated on the final match.
“To be completely honest, our focus is already entirely on the final. This was all about getting ready for that game,” Anthony concluded.
