Timor Leste head coach Norio Tsukitate admitted he needed time to think about his team’s defensive issues after watching them lose 7-0 to Thailand in their 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup opener on Friday.

An incredible six goals from Adisak Kraisorn and one from Supachai Jaided saw the Group B underdogs ruthlessly brushed aside by the reigning champions in a one-sided match in Bangkok.

Tsukitate suggested that the ambitious focus on attack had left his team exposed at the back and this was something that had to be considered ahead of the next match in order to avoid a repeat showing. 

“I know we have some problems,” he said. “Our players need to score. I tell them to attack more, to take up higher positions, to press higher up the pitch and to be aggressive. But, of course, we have problems in defence and I need time to think about this.”

Tsukitate put a brave face on the defeat by praising his young players and acknowledging the strength of the Thais. But he said it would require more time to digest the heavy defeat before looking at how to set up the team to face Indonesia on Tuesday.

“It was a good performance from our players,” he said. “The Thai team was too strong but with more training and experience, maybe next time there will be a different result. 

“Right after the game, I haven’t had enough time to think about the next match. I cannot think about tactics or anything but maybe later.”