Laos head coach Vladica Grujic has admitted Malaysia are among Southeast Asia’s elite football nations but insists his young squad will enter Tuesday’s ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 Group B clash believing they can produce a major upset.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference alongside midfielder Khonesavanh Keonuchanh, the Serbian tactician stressed that Laos have quickly moved on from their heavy opening defeat to Thailand and are determined to respond with a much-improved display against Harimau Malaya.
Grujic openly acknowledged the gulf between the football structures of both countries, pointing to Malaysia’s professional league compared to Laos’ largely amateur domestic competition.
However, he believes football remains unpredictable.
“We have great respect for Malaysian football because we know we are playing against a very strong opponent,” Grujic said.
“We come here to play bravely, stay disciplined and look for our opportunities.”
“Malaysia has one of the strongest football teams in Southeast Asia, probably among the top two or three.”
“But football is crazy. Anything can happen.”
He reminded reporters that Laos held Thailand to a 1-1 draw last year before suffering a 5-0 defeat in the tournament opener.
“Last match we lost 5-0, but last year we drew with Thailand. You never know what can happen in football.”
Laos will be without their captain after injury ruled out one of the team’s most influential figures, adding to the challenge of facing Malaysia.
“Of course we miss our captain very much,” Grujic admitted. “He is a very important player for us.”
Despite the setback, the Serbian coach remains confident that his 26-man squad is prepared to step up.
“We trained for seven weeks and everyone in the squad is ready to help the team.”
Grujic revealed that rebuilding the players’ confidence became his immediate priority after the opening-day defeat.
“My message was to motivate them after losing 5-0,” he explained.
“It is never easy after a defeat like that.”
“But football gives you another opportunity very quickly. We have to forget the result, analyse our mistakes and be ready to fight for our national team.”
He also reminded everyone that Laos’ performances during pre-tournament preparations showed encouraging signs.
One of Laos’ biggest challenges is the lack of international experience.
Grujic revealed that his current squad is the youngest team competing in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup, with an average age of just 22 years.
“Our players don’t yet have enough experience or confidence.”
“When Thailand scored the first goal, then the second, and after we received a red card, it became very difficult.”
“Young teams react differently in those situations.”
Nevertheless, he believes the players have recovered mentally.
“I think they slept well after the defeat. Now we are focused only on tomorrow.”
Grujic singled out Malaysia’s pace in transition and dangerous wide players as the biggest tactical challenge facing his side.
“The biggest quality of Malaysia is their transition play and their wingers,” he said.
“They have very good quality in wide areas.”
“Our task is to defend well, stay organised and try to create dangerous transitions ourselves.”
Midfielder Khonesavanh Keonuchanh echoed his coach’s optimism, insisting the players cannot allow the defeat to Thailand to affect their mindset.
“We must focus on the next match,” he said.
“If we keep thinking about the last game, nothing will change.”
“We still believe in ourselves, we trust the coach’s tactics and we will continue fighting.”
While determined to compete against stronger opponents, Grujic also highlighted the broader challenge facing Lao football.
He believes sustained improvement depends on building a professional league and stronger youth development pathways.
“We know where Lao football stands in Southeast Asia,” he admitted.
“To compete consistently with countries like Malaysia and Thailand, we need a professional league.”
“We also need stronger academies that develop players from a young age.”
“It takes time, but football in Laos is moving forward every year.”
As Laos prepare to face one of the tournament favourites, Grujic’s message is clear: while Malaysia deserve respect, his youthful squad will enter the match with belief that football’s unpredictability can still deliver an unexpected result.
Credit Photo : FAM
