Albert Capellas says PMNFT 'has the belief' in making first finals stint in ASEAN Championship

Philippine men’s national football team head coach Albert Capellas is brimming with optimism about the team’s prospects in the ongoing ASEAN Championship. Since his appointment just three months ago, he has instilled a deep sense of belief among the players, which has translated into impressive performances on the field.

The team recently achieved a significant milestone by defeating Thailand 2-1 in the first leg of their semifinal match, marking their first victory over the Thais in 52 years. This historic win has not only boosted the morale of the players but also heightened the expectations of their supporters. In a recent interview, Capellas shared his thoughts on the team’s progress and their aspirations for the championship.

Capellas highlighted that the players have developed a strong belief in their capabilities, stating, “These players really want it. They want to make it to the finals. Now, they are starting to believe in themselves that they can beat any team.” This newfound confidence is crucial as they prepare to face tough competitors like Vietnam, who are currently leading their semifinal matchup against Singapore.

As they gear up for the second leg of the semifinal, Capellas acknowledges the challenge that lies ahead. He emphasized that while they have made significant strides, the job is only half done. “We’ve arrived here, and we don’t want to stop. We want to go to the second leg to try to qualify for the finals. I’m sure we’ll work as warriors to make it happen,” he remarked.

The team will travel to Bangkok to finalize preparations for the crucial match against Thailand. Capellas is focused on ensuring that the players recover quickly and maintain a balanced approach as they head into this pivotal encounter. He understands that the Thais will be eager to avenge their recent loss, making the upcoming match even more intense.

Reflecting on the group stage, where the team recorded a 1 win, 3 draws, and faced challenges with last-minute goals conceded, Capellas noted the importance of resilience. Their journey to the semifinals was marked by a 1-0 victory over Indonesia, where Kike Linares scored a crucial header in stoppage time, demonstrating the team’s ability to seize opportunities even in high-pressure situations.

Capellas concluded by calling for continued support from fans, emphasizing that this is just the beginning of their journey. “We need all the support from everybody because we want to be better, and better, and better,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to leading the team toward their first finals appearance in the ASEAN Championship.