Coach Troussier: 'Cong Phuong and Van Toan need to compete more fairly to compete for positions'

Sharing in the press conference after the friendly match with the Palestine team, coach Philippe Troussier said: “This is a friendly match, a good opportunity for me to test the personnel, perfect the playing style, and approach the match. This direction is different from before. I asked them to actively control the match, show better qualities. I proposed how to give the players experience, especially the new players. The friendly matches in October will give me more time to test the players.

I have to find a way to make the team smoother. Unfortunately, we had to make an unexpected substitution in the first half. They are players from Hai Phong, who will compete in the AFC Cup. Luckily, we used 6 players, so I still have other calculations about personnel to serve my purpose," coach Philippe Troussier commented on the 2-0 win over Palestine.

Regarding Dang Van Lam's absence, coach Philippe Troussier said: "Van Lam is absent because his physical condition is not guaranteed. He has a slight injury in his back. Van Lam told me that it is okay. Not only Van Lam, I want to expand to this match and the next 3 matches to test, challenge and give opportunities for many other players and goalkeepers to play."

“Don’t forget that we are entering the first match in November in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. I feel that the players have performed the basic requirements, their will and tactical compliance are good. However, to achieve higher requirements such as controlling the match, the team will have to try very hard. This match will help me have more information for the October training session. I will have additional U23 players. The combination of forces between the two teams will be something I am eagerly waiting for,” coach Philippe Troussier shared.

Talking about the performance of Cong Phuong and Van Toan, the French strategist said: “Cong Phuong scored, if I had to evaluate Phuong’s overall performance, I would say acceptable. He scored but lacked experience in competition so he did not work at high intensity and press on the field.

I talked to him and advised Phuong to find more opportunities at the club. My request is that the players must be more enthusiastic and work hard on the field, especially when there is no ball. Many players in the V.League play regularly in this position. I give Phuong and Van Toan a chance, but both need to play more fairly to compete for positions," coach Philippe Troussier concluded./.