Thailand coach Kiatisuk Senamuang will instruct his players to curb their attacking instincts in Saturday's second leg Suzuki Cup final against Malaysia at the National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
Thailand are seeking to protect a 2-0 lead from the first leg in Bangkok to win a record-equalling fourth AFF title.
"We'll adopt a more cautious approach in Kuala Lumpur," Kiatisuk told the official tournament website. The 41-year-old is seeking to add to the three elite ASEAN titles he won as a former striker in 1996, 2000 and 2002 -- the last time the War Elephants lifted the Southeast Asian trophy.
Second half goals from Charyl Chappuis and Kroekrit Thawikan gave Kiatisuk's youthful team the upper hand in Wednesday's first leg at Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium.
Thailand were breathtaking at times in the first leg with midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin at the heart of the action. One passage of glorious tiki-taka football from the Thai midfielders towards the later part of the second half had the 50,000-strong crowd in raptures. The move came close to providing what would have been the goal of the tournament.
But the Thais have also shown they can be combative in midfield and in defence. Kiatisuk -- who has been nicknamed 'Zico' since his playing days after the Brazilian legend -- is well aware that his team will need to call upon all aspects of their game as they look to end a 12-year title drought in the Kuala Lumpur suburb of Bukit Jalil.
Malaysia demonstrated in the 4-2 semifinal win over Vietnam on Dec. 11 that they have enough firepower to overturn a 2-0 deficit.
Kiatisuk recognises the attacking skills of the Malaysian side. "Malaysia played offensively in the first half of the first leg final as well as they wanted an away goal," he said. "We also attacked which made for an exciting game. Both teams want to be champions of the ASEAN region and to complete the win we must play well in Kuala Lumpur. Our journey has not ended yet. We must bring back the champagne for the Thai people."