Coach Troussier: Players need to pay the price in exchange for lessons

U22 Vietnam became the former SEA Games champion after losing to U22 Indonesia 2-3 in the semi-finals of SEA Games 32. After the match, coach Troussier shared:

"Everyone wants to win. So everyone is disappointed with this result. However, being behind twice and finding the equalizer both times shows that the players showed their mettle, and at the same time executed very well the tactics, the plan and the style of play they were pursuing," coach Philippe Troussier said after the match.

He admitted: "Conceding a goal at the last minute shows our weakness, which is not enough experience. After the other team received a red card and U22 Vietnam played with more players, but lacked experience, leading to not being able to make the correct final decision.

Coach Troussier was pensive after the defeat against U22 Indonesia on the evening of May 13. Photo: HH

That stopped us from winning. But as I always say, the players need to pay the price in exchange for lessons. The U22 Vietnam players did very well. They need to change their mindset and the way they play football."

The French strategist added: "U22 Vietnam has made progress and this was a good match against a strong opponent. I do not blame the players. In football there are always winners and losers. This generation of players is very promising, if cared for they can do better."

"Both goals were from throw-ins, which was really unfortunate. We prepared and analyzed their playing style but lacked concentration and experience, leading to the loss.

Coach Troussier still highly appreciates the potential of U22 Vietnam. Photo: HH

U22 Vietnam fell behind twice but still tried hard to play, there were situations to equalize. Mistakes as well as problems in playing style, I believe the players will improve and the future will have many positive things. I believe they will continue to progress," coach Troussier still highly appreciates the potential of U22 Vietnam.

Finally, when asked about the comparison of U22 Vietnam with the team that won the SEA Games Gold Medal twice, coach Troussier affirmed: "I also cannot give an exact answer. We can observe the difference in the overage players from the previous SEA Games, and add Viet Anh and Thanh Binh who have experience in the national team.

The U22 Vietnam players were stunned after the match. Photo: HH

Many people thought that this generation of players were not good enough. They were often criticized. But after a while, I have no regrets about taking the job to lead them.

The players can absolutely play well. This generation of players is very promising and if properly cared for, they can do better than expected. This tournament is a playground for the players to improve themselves.”

Having lost in the semi-finals, U22 Vietnam will play U22 Myanmar in the third-place match at 4:00 p.m. on May 16, while U22 Indonesia will meet U22 Thailand in the final at 8:00 p.m. the same day.