Ange: Caltex Socceroos to respect mourning Thailand

Caltex Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou says the national team will respect the circumstances around their World Cup qualifier with Thailand in November.

The match coincides with a period of mourning in Thailand following the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. 

“We travel far and wide and as a group and a nation we have to be respectful of the places we travel to,” Postecoglou told reporters on Wednesday.

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“It won’t affect the contest at all but the surroundings of it will be affected and we have to respect that.

Robbie Kruse jostles for the ball when the Caltex Socceroos last played Thailand in Bangkok in 2011.

“The group travelling over will be very mindful of the circumstances of what we’re going into and I’m sure our supporters will do the same.”

The clash against Thailand will be played at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium on November 15 (KO 11pm AEDT). 

The Caltex Socceroos will be in camp in Bangkok in the lead up to the match. 

“We had the option of playing another game in this window but from the outset I knew this game was going to be important for us and it’s the reason why we have decided to have a camp rather than another friendly game," said Postecoglou. 

“We wanted to make sure the players are spot on physical and mentally so that they can be as fresh and physically prepared for the game as possible."