Coach Hoang Anh Tuan: 'U23 Vietnam is not allowed to give up under any circumstances'

Before the opening match of the 2024 AFC U23 Championship against Kuwait U23, coach Hoang Anh Tuan and the coaching staff entrusted the captain's armband of Vietnam U23 to goalkeeper Quan Van Chuan. The Vietnam U23 executive committee also includes Luong Duy Cuong, Nguyen Ngoc Thang, Nguyen Thai Son and Nguyen Van Tung.

With this choice, the U23 Vietnam executive committee gathers representatives spread evenly along the team's formation, from the "goalkeeper" position to the striker.

In words of encouragement to his players who were not included in the final list of 23 players, head coach Hoang Anh Tuan said:“According to the regulations, the registration list is limited to 23 players. You are all very deserving and that has made it difficult for the coaching staff to decide which players will go on and which players will stay.The coaching staff has discussed and considered a lot in the past few days before making a choice. When I was still playing, I also experienced a situation like this. I went to the national team, tried hard, and waited for the day to finalize the list and call my name. I was in the same situation as you guys, so I understand. Of course I'm not happy, but I have to try to overcome it. When you return to the club, try to practice and make more efforts so that you can be ready to return to the national team in the near future.".

Coach Hoang Anh Tuan also asked his students and players on the official list to carry their dreams and aspirations for those who stay.“Fans and experts are very interested in what the team will do and how it will play. Therefore, we all have to work hard together. I have complete faith in you. Everything is happening, everything we prepare is aimed at the best results. We have tried, so let's try harder, especially never giving up under any circumstances.”, coach Hoang Anh Tuan emphasized.

As planned, this morning (April 16), the Vietnam U23 team will visit Al Jaloub Stadium - where the opening match against U23 Kuwait will take place on April 17. Because AFC does not allow teams to practice at the stadiums to protect the grass, this activity is mainly to help the players have a better sense of the competition venue.

Head coach Hoang Anh Tuan will attend a press conference before the group stage at 11:30 local time (15:30 Vietnam time).

In the afternoon, the team continued to practice at AL Erssal stadium to complete the final preparations for the opening match of Group D./.