Coach Troussier: The match against Syria is a challenge to overcome in preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers

At the press conference before the friendly match betweenVietnam teamand Syria, coach Philippe Troussier shared about using players playing abroad such as Quang Hai, Cong Phuong, Van Toan.

Coach Philippe Troussier said: It is difficult to make an accurate assessment because I have not had much time to use these 3 players. I was impressed with Quang Hai, because he played the full 90 minutes in the match against Hong Kong (China), moving more than 10km with high intensity, even though he does not play often in France.

Coach Philippe Troussier. Photo: Hai Hoang

Cong Phuong also does not play regularly in Japan so I only let him play 30 minutes in the friendly match with Hai Phong Club to regain his form, thereby creating motivation for Cong Phuong to not play the full 90 minutes in the next match with the Syrian team but I hope Cong Phuong will try his best with his extensive experience.

Van Toan also has the same motivation, he has the advantage because in Korea he has played more than 10 matches regularly. I believe they have proven their ability, attitude, and desire through each training session. There is nothing to complain about these players.

Coach Philippe Troussier and striker Cong Phuong hold a press conference before the friendly match with Syria. Photo: Hai Hoang

Talking about the goal for tomorrow's match, the French strategist said: My goal with the Vietnamese team is to perfect the playing style and tactics that were set out from the beginning. To maintain mental focus, I apply this method in every match, which is to shorten the squad and add new players to the list.

In terms of spirit, all players tried their best and focused their maximum effort even though they had only about 10 days to train with full strength. The players have now met expectations. The match against the Syrian team is an opportunity to evaluate the level of implementation and application of tactics of the players through real combat. I am satisfied with their spirit and attitude - Coach Philippe Troussier shared.

Both the Vietnamese and Syrian teams are determined in tomorrow's match. Photo: Hai Hoang

"I take every match and every competition seriously. The media sometimes puts us in a favorable position in some matches, but I respect every opponent. The Syrian team is better than us in terms of ranking, and in terms of strength, they also have more players with experience playing abroad.

However, that is just theory, in football, the result is shown on the field through the confrontation of 11 players on each team. The Vietnam team has the home field advantage and with the support of a large number of fans. I feel that the current Vietnam team is united both in terms of team and tactics.

The players have the desire and motivation to conquer the challenge. I consider the match against Syria a challenge that needs to be overcome to prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. We are in the process of perfecting and finding suitable players, so we will try our best," the French strategist emphasized./.