Ahead of a crucial showdown with Johor Darul Ta’zim in the Shopee Cup 2025/26 semi-final, Buriram United head coach Mark Jackson has delivered a firm message—his team’s belief remains unshaken despite recent setbacks.
Buriram United lost their last two matches in the 2025/26 Thai League 1 season to Rayong FC (0-3) and Port FC (1-3) before facing the Southern Tigers squad on Wednesday.
Following the 1-3 defeat against Port FC in the Thai League 1 2025/26 season, Jackson dismissed concerns over his squad’s confidence following two disappointing results, insisting that the players are fully prepared for the challenge ahead.
“There’s no way our players’ confidence has dropped, even though the last two results weren’t what we wanted,” he said.
“I believe every player is fully ready. We need to sit down, identify where we made mistakes, and make things right.”
Jackson was also asked about the return of JDT’s key attacker Arif Aiman from injury—a development that could boost the Malaysian champions’ attacking threat.
However, the coach played down the significance of focusing on one player, emphasising the importance of collective performance.
“We know everything about Johor Darul Ta’zim. We have good players and a strong backroom staff,” he explained.
“We need to analyse our opponents properly. No team depends on just one individual—especially a team like JDT. They are a very good side, but we must handle them well because we are also a good team.”
Credit Photo : BRUTD
