Coach Philippe Troussier: I have no regrets after 3 defeats at the U23 Doha Cup

Speaking after the final match at the U23 Cup international friendly tournament,Coach Philippe Troussiersaid he was satisfied with the efforts and the way his players played on the field. That was the result of their efforts after training sessions or professional guidance from the coaching staff.

Coach Philippe Troussier said: “To be honest, I feel a little regretful and disappointed about the result that U23 Vietnam experienced against U23 Kyrgyzstan. The team unfortunately lost in the penalty shootout. I say that because I saw my players play with great effort and try hard throughout the match.

The team created some chances, trying to convert them into shots. Anyway, I am really satisfied with the effort and the way the students played on the field. That is the result of the efforts after training sessions or professional instructions from the Coaching Board. This is also the goal that U23 Vietnam focuses on when participating in the U23 Doha Cup 2023 in Qatar. I want the players to gradually improve, in terms of individual skills as well as cohesion in the overall playing style of the team."

Coach Philippe Troussier still believes U23 Vietnam is on the right track. Photo: Hai Hoang

The French coach added: “Thus, U23 Vietnam has gone through 3 matches, from Iraq, UAE to Kyrgyzstan. Each match is a step of experience for the team. We will return to Hanoi with a luggage full of documents, player evaluation information as well as practical experience in competition. Of course, there will be opposing views, when U23 Vietnam did not win any match. But I believe U23 Vietnam is still on the right track, for the upcoming journey of SEA Games 32 in Cambodia.

When asked if he felt regretful about accepting to participate in the U23 Cup, his first tournament as head coach of the Vietnam U23 team and having to face the disadvantage of pressure from public opinion because the possibility of losing matches was predictable when facing very strong opponents, coach Philippe Troussier replied: “I do not feel any regret or remorse after 3 failures in this U23 Cup.

U23 Vietnam failed to win any match at the U23 Doha Cup 2023 in Qatar. Photo: Hai Hoang

The U23 Vietnam players themselves have not really played much in the past 6 months. They have not been in the best condition, the highest form when concentrating on U23 Vietnam. So for me and the coaching staff, the U23 Doha Cup is a place for the players to experience, maybe have the opportunity to play big matches with big opponents. From these matches, they will learn many lessons for themselves, know what their strengths and weaknesses are. I have said, to get big lessons, you will have to pay a high price. Let me emphasize, U23 Vietnam is still taking steps towards the SEA Games".

Regarding the upcoming plan, coach Philippe Troussier said: “After this tournament, the players will return to their home clubs. I hope that during the professional tournament, they will be able to play regularly in the V.League or First Division. From there, they will maintain their form, fitness, and ball feel. I will meet them again in 3 weeks, around April 19, to prepare for the important stage towards the 32nd SEA Games”./.