Thailand head coach Milovan Rajevac insists his side will not underestimate Timor Leste when the teams open their AFF Suzuki Cup campaigns with a Group B clash on Friday.

In a group that also features Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore, the Thais are likely to face tougher challenges as they bid to reach the semi-finals.

But Rajevac was adamant that the defending champions would not be taking the challenge of Timor Leste lightly at the Rajamangala Stadium.

“They (Timor Leste) are considered one of the weakest teams in our group but for us every next match is the most important one,” said Rajevac. “We are the favourites for this match but, of course, we mustn’t underestimate any team.

“It’s absolutely crucial to win the points in this first match because we are expecting some more difficult matches afterwards but we have to give our maximum every time and do our best.

“We respect every opponent but we play our style of play according to our plan so we are expecting a positive outcome for our team.”

Timor Leste are unable to host the game due to the fact that their stadium did not meet the necessary standards. Although this is still officially a home game for the visitors, Rajevac admits the change of venue benefits his side. 

“It’s definitely an advantage since we don’t have to travel, which would take a lot of time,” said Rajevac. “This makes things much easier for us and we want to thank Timor Leste for agreeing to come and play here.”

Timor Leste’s head coach Norio Tsukitate admits it is unfortunate that his side are unable to play in front of their home fans but welcomes the opportunity to play against the reigning champions.

“Next time, I hope to play in Dili in Timor Leste so that the people of Timor Leste people can come,” said Tsukitate. “There will be many Thai people here, maybe 30,000 in the audience cheering for the Thai national team. But tomorrow’s game is our home game.

“In the last competition, Thailand’s national team were champions. We have respect for them as Thailand’s national team is very strong in Southeast Asia. We are very happy to play against the champions.”

With Thailand’s overseas stars absent, Tsukitate joked that it was fortunate that this team would not be facing Consadole Saporro’s Chanathip Songkrasin in particular.

“Every game, he is putting in good performances,” said Tsukitate. “Maybe the Consadole coach didn’t want to release him for the AFF Suzuki Cup. I’m happy.”