Philippines coach compares AFF Cup atmosphere to UEFA Champions League

Coach Eriksson: “AFF Cup brings Champions League atmosphere”

"I was very nervous when I entered the auditorium with many reporters. The accommodation conditions here are good. I did not come here for tourism, while we still have the chance we will try to turn the tables. Tomorrow we will do our best," Coach Eriksson began his speech.

The two strategists shook hands before meeting again at My Dinh Stadium. Photo: Trung Kien

Regarding the squad, the coach said: "In my career, I have never had so few players (only 18 players came to Vietnam for the second leg of the semi-finals). However, for me, 18 players are more than enough. We will play offensively from the start, hoping to score an early goal to create a psychological advantage. But the Vietnamese team is in good shape, hopefully we won't concede a goal."

In the press conference room with many reporters, especially foreign reporters, Coach Eriksson was surprised: "The atmosphere today reminds me of the UEFA Champions League. But we will be determined to show the reporters here my ability and the whole Philippine team". Regarding the question of if he is invited to lead the Vietnam National Team one day, Coach Eriksson said he would consider it.

Coach Park Hang-seo warns his students

"First of all, the team would like to thank the fans who have accompanied and supported the team. In the first leg, the players played very well, but my students and I always remember the lesson of failure at the AFF Cup in 2014 when Vietnam lost to Malaysia. Hopefully, the Vietnam team will keep their feet on the ground to get good results tomorrow. We are working hard and trying to practice. We will do everything for the fans tomorrow," coach Park Hang-seo began.

Coach Park Hang-seo at the press conference before the second leg of the AFF Cup 2018 semi-final. Photo: Trung Kien

A Korean reporter asked about Coach Park's feelings when receiving support from his home fans after his successes in Vietnam. "I am very happy and grateful to the Korean people who always follow me and the Vietnam National Team. I myself am a bit shaken by that. I will be determined to play my best with the Vietnam National Team."

Good news for fans related to Van Toan, coach Park Hang-seo revealed: "From this afternoon, Van Toan will return to practice with the whole team. His injury is not serious. Midfielder Hung Dung has a strained back muscle but it is not a problem."

The Vietnam National Team will have another training session this afternoon at My Dinh Stadium. Photo: TK

Coach Park is also not afraid of the Philippines' aggressive playing style: "Football is a competitive sport so collisions are inevitable. But we have rules to protect ourselves. I admit that the Philippines has better physical shape but the Vietnamese players are strange and have good tactical thinking. I told the players that if they are alert and clear-headed, they can win. During training sessions, I also gave my students a few tricks to overcome the opponent's aggressive playing style."

Striker Ha Duc Chinh was selected to attend the press conference with coach Park, confidently answering: "The whole team is working hard in training. Coach Park keeps the team's spirit up and does not forget to remind the players of the memory of 2014 (winning 2-1 against Malaysia in the first leg but losing 2-4 at My Dinh)". "I have waited quite a long time, since 2017, to have the opportunity to play for the national team and score. This year's AFF Cup took 5 matches to get on the field, so I was a bit impatient in finishing. I am very happy to be on the field fighting for the national team".

Philippines captain recalls beautiful memories at My Dinh

Captain: Phil Younghusband is the Philippines' biggest hope. Photo: TK

"This comeback is quite special. I'm a bit nervous because Vietnam has home fans cheering for us. We had good memories at My Dinh (when we beat Vietnam). I hope tomorrow will be a good match for the Philippines," star Phil Younghusband emphasized.

Regarding the fact that Vietnam conceded the first goal, Younghusband said: "It's hard to say that the Philippines' goal in the first leg was the fault of Vietnam's defense. Vietnam's defense system has been working very well since the beginning of the tournament. That goal came from a good attack by the Philippines. My teammates inside chose their positions and finished very well after my pass."

AFF Cup semi-final and the story of "fate"

(Baonghean.vn) - Up to now, in the AFF Cup, the only team that has lost the advantage of winning the first leg of the semi-finals, losing the ticket to the final. Notably, in the 2014 AFF Cup, coach T. Miura's team won 2-1 on Malaysia's field in the first leg but lost 4-5 overall.

Trung Kien