Thailand coach Alexandre Polking believes past achievements will count for nothing when his charges take on Indonesia in the final of AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 -- starting with Wednesday's first leg at Singapore's National Stadium.
As five-time winners of Southeast Asia's premier international tournament, the Thais are currently gunning for a record-extending 6th title and will head into the tie as favourites after deposing defending champions Vietnam in the semifinals.
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In stark contrast, Indonesia have never won the competition despite their rich history and have a woeful record of having lost all five previous finals they have featured in.
Nonetheless, Polking -- who only took charge of the War Elephants back in September -- insists both teams' respective records will count for nothing as this stage of the tournament.
"We know about their record but I believe every time you reach the final, of course you're there to win it," said the Brazilian-German.
"It probably also makes them even more determined to end that bad run and say: 'it's time for us to win it after coming close so many times'.
"But for us, our preparation isn't changing much. We're really focusing on how to beat them, finding the best strategy and the best XI for that.
"They're a young team with fast, dangerous players suited for the counterattack. They have done a good job playing in the tournament and deserve to be in the final, with a very good coach with an excellent CV.
"We don't think about the records. We know both teams will be there giving everything to get that title."
Given their success throughout the history of the tournament, it is no surprise that Thailand are brimming with players who have previously tasted success.
Midfielder Sarach Yooyen, a two-time champion in 2014 and 2016 and one of nine in Polking's current squad to have won the tournament before, has however cautioned his teammates against resting on their laurels.
"Of course, we have good experience but Indonesia are a young team that has played very well in this competition so far," said the BG Pathum United man.
"Both teams play different games but it will the team that can play the best football and make less mistakes that will win the competition.
"We're not too worried about the threat of the opposition. It's more about focusing on ourselves and playing at the best level we have shown, with confidence and in our style to win this tournament."