Coach Philippe Troussier: 'The Vietnamese team played with 200% of their strength to beat Hong Kong'

"After 1 week of training, I appreciate that all players have tried very hard to comply and establish the first steps in operating and organizing the game. They have trained hard, reacted and are determined to the maximum. I am satisfied with the attitude of the whole team.

Although I only have 5 short days to gather the full squad, I try to convey as much knowledge as possible so that the players can enter the field to compete. With practical ability and the knowledge I have absorbed, I hope the Vietnamese team will have the best performance," coach Philippe Troussier opened the press conference before the match against Hong Kong.

Coach Philippe Troussier at a press conference before the friendly match with Hong Kong. Photo: Hai Hoang

Evaluating the three players playing abroad, Quang Hai, Cong Phuong and Van Toan, coach Philippe Troussier said: "For Quang Hai, this is the player who joined the team the earliest among the players playing abroad. Quang Hai had 1 week of training. Mentally, he tried his best to adapt to the requirements I gave.

Cong Phuong and Van Toan returned to the team later due to the club's release regulations related to FIFA Days. In my opinion, they are both eager to show their abilities to the new coach."

Coach Philippe Troussier respects his opponents and the Vietnamese team and will give his 200% effort. Photo: Hai Hoang

“Ahead is a new journey with long-term goals with matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, or further, the 2023 Asian Cup finals. This is the first match of the Vietnamese team after 1 week. Therefore, when listening to the Hong Kong coach share that they are weaker than us because they are lower on the FIFA rankings, but in football, strength is not on paper.

"I respect the Hong Kong team because they are participating in the 2023 Asian Cup and they are building their squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in October. Our opponents are full of desire and motivation to perform at their best. I respect the opponents and the Vietnamese team and will try 200%. We study the video, when the Hong Kong team played against Malaysia and Singapore, from there we prepare the best for this competition," coach Philippe Troussier emphasized.

“I think the factor that can affect the field conditions in tomorrow’s match is the rain. Hopefully the weather will be better, because the rain affects the quality of the match. Hai Phong’s reception for the Vietnam team is good, helping the team have the best preparation.

Before this match, I value both the style of play and the result. Before each match, I want the players to perform their best in the prepared game. They must convert the real situations at the end of the field such as passing, shooting, crossing, if they do that, they will win.

Winning is not just about saying it. Players must have spirit and support their teammates properly, because no one wants to be overwhelmed by our opponents throughout the match. Winning this match is the foundation to give the whole team more confidence to build their playing style for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers," the French strategist concluded.

Coach Jorn Andersen of Hong Kong (China). Photo: Hai Hoang

Meanwhile, coach Jorn Andersen of Hong Kong (China) highly appreciated the Vietnamese players playing abroad, namely Quang Hai and Cong Phuong.

"We are looking forward to this match because the Vietnamese team is a strong team in Asia. Hong Kong is ranked 145th compared to 95th for the Vietnamese team, so this is a match to gain experience. We will compete with a strong team in Asia, thereby preparing best for the 2023 Asian Cup finals.

The players are fully focused, not thinking about how the Vietnam team will play because they do not know how they will play under coach Troussier. The Vietnam team is in the process of transition after the time of coach Park Hang-seo.

I know Mr. Troussier has coaching experience in Asia and Africa. We focus on our tactics and try our best," coach Jorn Andersen said at a press conference before the friendly match with the Vietnamese team.

"We have two players who are injured due to playing in domestic tournaments at high frequency, so they are not in good physical condition. They are likely not to start.

However, I will check their health in the last training session to have an accurate assessment. I want the Hong Kong team to gain experience against strong teams in Asia. I build a fierce playing style, hungry for victory in every match to aim for the Asian Cup," said the Norwegian strategist.

"I have been following the Vietnamese team for a long time, having worked with Asian team coaches. In 2017, I coached the North Korean team against Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City. The Vietnamese team then trained in South Korea, when I coached Incheon United in the K-League.

I am impressed with Quang Hai in the Vietnam team, along with Cong Phuong, who was my student at Incheon United. They are good players. The Vietnam team has a quality squad, so they will reach the final of the AFF Cup 2022," coach Jorn Andersen commented.

The match between Vietnam and Hong Kong will take place at 7:30 p.m. on June 15 at Lach Tray Stadium (Hai Phong)./.