As Vietnamese football gradually 'synchronizes' with the world.

The fact that the Vietnamese national team failed to reclaim the AFF Cup 2022 title from Thailand will undoubtedly necessitate a more proactive, comprehensive, and effective professionalization of Vietnamese football. There is no other way; a more professional Vietnamese football must fully integrate with regional, continental, and global football.

Starting from the 2023 season, all preparations must be completed so that by the end of the year, the V-League will officially synchronize with the world football schedule for the 2023-2024 season. Besides the V-League, of course, all matches and training activities of the national teams will adhere to the FIFA schedule, meaning there will be no traditional Vietnamese holidays or Tet (Lunar New Year) breaks. Of course, within the timeframe, the Vietnamese football governing body will have to find a way to ensure all football activities comply with the FIFA schedule while also being suitable for the Vietnamese context. Remember, in Europe, for example, the match schedules vary. Except for English football with its many long-standing leagues and packed schedules, including holidays, many other football leagues still allow players to rest according to regulations, such as New Year's Day.

The Vietnamese national team during a training session. (Photo: Archival image)

It's no coincidence that after the 2022 AFF Cup, Park Hang-seo didn't renew his contract with the Vietnam Football Federation. Vietnamese football's success under the South Korean coach is undeniable. However, the fact that the national teams are gradually being figured out and unable to overcome Thailand demands a new revolution in playing style and personnel.

Coach Park Hang-seo employs many scientific and modern tactics, combined with fostering teamwork, community solidarity, and the strength of the players, relying heavily on psychological strategies, encouragement, and a close "father-son" bond. The national teams also have long training camps, which has both advantages and disadvantages. If Vietnamese football were truly professional and synchronized with world football, how could he possibly "break the schedule" to dedicate time to the national teams as he has done for so long? Where would the "father-son" bond between the coach and his beloved players be?

Therefore, Park Hang-seo's departure is the right time for Vietnamese football to turn a new page, suitable for all new conditions and circumstances. People are talking about a new, illustrious coach, familiar with Vietnamese football, who will continue the career of taking Vietnamese football to the next level. This coach will only assemble the team on certain occasions, following international trends, combining professional players from various teams for friendly matches or official tournaments, and then releasing them back to their respective clubs. He will alternately monitor players through V-League or National Cup rounds, continental and regional tournaments, and select players accordingly. There will be no more lecturing players from scratch as in the past. Nor will there be any selection of players who are not performing well at their clubs. This shows that the demands on the coaching staff are very high, and even higher for the players, in order to fulfill the tasks set forth.

Only with a truly skilled coach can one find, nurture, and develop football talent. Coach Park Hang-seo is a dedicated and hardworking individual, but he is also fortunate to have a generation of passionate and talented players. However, if we review the entire 2022 World Cup third qualifying campaign and the two AFF Cup tournaments, it's easy to see that this golden generation of players has exhausted their potential and passion, yet is almost powerless against top continental opponents, including top regional rivals like Thailand, and has struggled against many other teams.

Hung Dung is a good player, but the defensive midfield position he occupies doesn't inspire confidence, and the team needs a stronger, more physically fit, combative, and impactful player. Hoang Duc's confidence and finesse against any opponent are rare strengths. However, he lacks stamina and creativity. Let's look at Theerathon of Thailand to see what advantages this player possesses that we can only dream of. Let's watch Chanathip's performance and dedication to see how Quang Hai is gradually losing his form.

Hopefully, the new coach of Vietnamese football will truly align with the current professionalization process, knowing how to identify and gather talent to create new strength. The training process, the process of success and failure, will forge talented players, just as Theerathon of Thailand gave us a profound lesson, one that inspires admiration and recognition, prompting us to learn and improve. It would be very worrying if, after Quang Hai, no new star emerges on the field, even if players from the Park Hang-seo era have made unexpected and remarkable progress.