SINGAPORE: After bearing the brunt of criticism following Singapore's early exit from the last edition of the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup two years ago, Lions coach Radojko Avramovic has kept the local media at arm's length during this year's campaign.
It thus came as a surprise yesterday that Avramovic chose to go on the offensive during the official pre-match media conference in Manila ahead of Saturday's semi-final first leg match against the Philippines.
The 63-year-old took aim at the hosts, who have never won the competition but have reached the semi-finals for a second tournament running and are hosting a final-four match at home for the first time.
"I just feel a little bit that maybe the Philippines should respect Singapore more," said Avramovic at the Manila Hotel. "Singapore are two-time winners of this competition, and (the Philippines) shouldn't be going around talking like maybe they will have it easy against Singapore."
And for good measure, the Lions coach added: "It's in our hands to make them wait another two years to dream (of winning the competition)."
Those remarks appeared to have caught Philippines coach Michael Weiss by surprise. The 47-year-old German did not attend the media conference - team manager Dan Palami went in his stead - and was later asked at the Azkals' training session for his response.
"He has every right to be confident but why would I respect an opponent only because he has titles in the past?" said Weiss.
"Does that mean I automatically have to bend down and say 'Please, Singapore, you win this match and you go to the final'?
"Of course not, it's ridiculous... not this comment is ridiculous but I don't know which idea he has."
Adding in bemusement, Weiss said: "I mean, here we are on home soil and if Singapore are stronger and beat us 3-0, I will shake his hand and say congratulations. But before that, they will have to sweat a lot. I don't understand this comment."
The Rizal Memorial Stadium is expected to fill to its capacity of 13,000 as the Azkals seek to beat the Lions for the third time this year. Although the first two matches were friendlies, Weiss feels the defeats will play on the Singapore players' minds.
"From a psychological point of view, if you lose two matches in a row to a team which you are in a way under-estimating... in the back of their heads they will still count a little bit for sure," he said.
"We are maybe a little bit more hungry and eager to win this tight game, I hope we do not concede a goal and everything will be good."
Avramovic, meanwhile prefers to come away with a win, even though many would expect the Lions to play for a draw.
"This is like two 90-minute halves with a long break in between. I think in the end, whoever is more patient and maybe more experienced will end up the winners," he said.
- TODAY
Football: Avramovic on the offensive
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Football: Avramovic on the offensive
