Coach Huu Thang: The important thing for players to be selected for the national team is their expertise, not their hometown!

(Baonghean) - (National Team Head Coach Nguyen Huu Thang talks with Nghe An Newspaper reporter)

PV:Among the players called up to the national team this time, there are quite a few players from Nghe An. Some people think that you are biased towards people from the same hometown. So what are your thoughts on this issue?

Coach Nguyen Huu Thang:In football, there is no such thing as favoritism for people from any region, any country, or having feelings for anyone. For me, that does not happen! I always separate work and feelings. My point of view is that the national team's door is always open to those who have good professional qualifications. Players must assert themselves on the field by their expertise, not by where they come from, or which club they play for. When you join the national team, you must assert your name in that position, not by your hometown. When you wear the national team's shirt and sing the Vietnamese national anthem, you are Vietnamese, no matter the region.

Phi Son is one of eight Nghe An players called up to the national team this time. Photo: Duc Dung

In my opinion, as a head coach of a national team, everyone wants to choose good players to serve their tactics and strategies. It's not like we get to know each other and then call them to the team. When they can't play, the first person responsible is us. Who else will take responsibility for that?

PV:Although many naturalized players have played very well in V.League, they have not been called up to the national team this time. Can you tell us your opinion on this issue?

Coach Nguyen Huu Thang:Calling naturalized players and the national team involves many issues and many different opinions of many people. But in my opinion, when we recognize them as Vietnamese citizens, they will be equal to everyone else. They get married, have children who are also Vietnamese, they have Vietnamese passports, so they have the right and obligation to contribute their labor and talent to their country. In my opinion, the national team door should be open to those people, we should not miss out on talent.

For example, the Philippines has 8-10 naturalized players in their squad, Singapore also has naturalized players, Thailand also has naturalized players whose parents are Vietnamese... I think those players are really talented, so they are on the national team, contributing their talent to the team is a good thing. If they achieve results, it is also an achievement for Vietnam. Since they are Vietnamese, every time they play on the field, they will compete for the Vietnamese flag and colors. If they are listed when they achieve results, it is also a record for the Vietnamese team.

PV:Thank you, I wish you and your team much success!

Duc Chuyen(Perform)