Having just seen his young team lift the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup after victory over Malaysia, Thailand head coach Kiatisuk Senamuang issued a rallying cry to all of Southeast Asia to improve its football together.
Thailand were crowned 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup champions after a 4-3 aggregate win, despite losing the second leg 3-2 on Saturday night at the National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. Kiatisuk became the first man to claim the Suzuki Cup as both player and coach.
The Malaysians stunned the young Thais with three goals, through a brace from tournament top scorer Safiq Rahim and a header from Indra Putra Mahayuddin. But the visitors scored twice in the last 10 minutes, through Charyl Chappuis and Chanathip Songkrasin, to give Thailand their fourth ASEAN crown.
"When I was a player and became champion in 1996, it was good memories," Kiatisuk said. "But when I became a coach, it was very exciting because I cannot get on the field and play. I spoke to [Malaysian coach and ex-national striker] Dollah and we both feel as coach, the pressure never stops. You get three points, you just have to continue to win. You lose, you are in trouble.
"But actually, I want to see everybody improve together. I talk to my brothers Dollah, Aide Iskandar and more, that we should improve together. This is my target. When ASEAN countries play in Asian Cup or any youth tournaments like FIFA U-17 or U-20, it must be open play. Not a boring game. The players must learn. This is grassroots and I wish ASEAN football can improve together, not just Thailand."
He was also quick to praise the crowd at Bukit Jalil for creating such a fantastic night for Southeast Asian football. He also revealed what he said to his players at half-time after a poor first 45 minutes which saw them go 2-0 down.
He said: "I can't believe it. Today was a very exciting game. A perfect and beautiful game. I know we had the advantage coming here to Malaysia but I had an uneasy feeling. After the first half, I told my players, now is 0-0. Do you want to play or not? If you don't, we can pack and go home.
"So I'm thankful that my players believed in themselves and continue to fight for Thailand. And the fans here at the stadium, all 100,000 of them both Malaysian and Thai fans. Really good. They make a great memory for me and my team."
As for Malaysia coach Dollah, he was happy with his team's performance despite missing out on a golden opportunity to lift the coveted Southeast Asian trophy for the second time.
"Firstly, I must congratulate my players who did very well. We almost got the cup but unfortunately from the 70th minute onwards, Thailand, like they always do, started to take advantage and our own fitness levels collapsed. But this is football. You make mistakes, you pay." Dollah said.
The former Pahang FA tactician also reiterated that his captain, veteran Shukor Adan has played his last international game for Malaysia at the age of 35. Dollah will now prepare for 2015 tournaments like the SEA Games, and qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games by giving some youngsters the opportunity to impress.
"I will try and force him to stay but actually, Shukor has already made his decision. Today will be his last national team match. Moving forward, I have plenty of time in the coming months and will give youngsters a chance but I still need one or two senior players to guide them." added Dollah.
As for golden boot award winner Safiq Rahim -- the midfielder won the award after scoring six goals in the tournament - he was all smiles, despite missing out on the tournament trophy.
Safiq said: "We didn't have very good preparations coming into this tournament but we did well. We managed to make it all the way to the final and I am very proud of my teammates. We did this together and even for my own award which has surprised me, I must thank the whole squad for making it possible."
As four time winners, Thailand are now joint record-holders for the most AFF titles alongside Singapore.
The next edition of the tournament will be co-hosted by Philippines and Myanmar in 2016.