Buriram United coach Mark Jackson believes his experienced squad can handle the pressure of another major final as the Thai champions prepare to face trophy-hungry Selangor FC in the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™ decider.
PETALING JAYA, May 6: Buriram United FC coach Mark Jackson believes his side’s experience in high-pressure matches could prove decisive when they face Selangor FC in the first leg of the 2025/26 ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™ final at MBPJ Stadium on Wednesday.
The defending champions arrive in Malaysia aiming to add another title to an already glittering trophy collection, with Jackson insisting his battle-tested squad knows exactly what is required on the big stage.
“We have a lot of experience in the squad and that counts for a lot in these games,” said Jackson.
“As a coach and manager, I have had success in big matches like this, while Kenny (Dougall) has also experienced these occasions throughout his career and with Buriram last season.”
Jackson, who guided Central Coast Mariners to both AFC Cup and A-League titles before joining Buriram, has already led the Thai giants to another Thai League 1 crown this season.
The Englishman said previous experiences navigating difficult two-legged ties have helped strengthen the squad mentally.
“Those experiences are important in matches like this, but you still have to perform,” he said.
“There is a fine line between confidence and complacency, and we will not become complacent.”
Buriram recovered from a slow start in the Shopee Cup campaign to top their group before edging Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) 4-3 on aggregate in a dramatic semi-final clash.
However, the victory came at a cost after key duo Guilherme Bissoli and Goran Čaušić were both sent off during the second leg.
Tournament joint-top scorer Bissoli, who has netted seven goals, will miss Wednesday’s first leg through suspension, while Čaušić is ruled out for both matches following a straight red card for violent conduct.
Despite the setbacks, Jackson remains confident in the depth of his squad.
“I am fortunate to have an excellent squad and the club president has built a very strong team,” he said.
“Of course missing players of that quality is difficult because they have been very important for us this season.”
“But we always focus on the team rather than individuals. This now gives opportunities to other players within the squad.”
Buriram will face a Selangor side chasing their first major trophy since winning the Malaysia Cup in 2015, while the Thai club continue to build on one of Southeast Asia’s most successful modern dynasties.
Last season’s Shopee Cup triumph completed a four-title haul for Buriram, who are still on course for another treble this year after defending their domestic league crown and reaching the Thai FA Cup final.
“Selangor are desperate to win a title, but we are exactly the same,” said Jackson.
“Just because we have won trophies before does not mean we are less hungry.”
“We know Selangor’s strengths and where we can potentially take advantage, but we will also be ready to adapt if necessary.”
“We are desperate to win as well and we want to retain this title.”
