Coach Park Hang-seo: 'When Quang Hai is absent, the Vietnamese team will be greatly affected'

At the press conference before attending the international friendly tournament in Ho Chi Minh City this morning (September 20),Coach Park Hang-seosaid:

"Singapore is the opponent of the Vietnamese team in the AFF Cup group stage. They have a new coach, and we have many new players. I will try to test new elements in the upcoming match. Tomorrow, I will let the new elements enter the field to compete."

Talking about the upcoming AFF Cup 2022, Coach Park Hang-seo did not forget to mention Nguyen Quang Hai, a player that Mr. Park believes is extremely important to the current Vietnamese National Team.

Coach Park Hang-seo at the press conference before the international triumvirate in Ho Chi Minh City, taking place on the morning of September 20. Photo: Hai Hoang

The Korean coach said: "Last night, when Quang Hai returned to Vietnam, I talked to him. Quang Hai always wanted to contribute to the national team. But the current problem is that Quang Hai's contract does not allow him to participate in the AFF Cup, and this tournament is not on the FIFA schedule, so Quang Hai cannot voluntarily return to wear the national team shirt to participate in the AFF Cup. On December 28, Quang Hai will start playing the second leg of the Ligue 2 in France, while during this time, the AFF Cup is still taking place. Quang Hai told me that he will try to convince Pau FC, but I also know that he needs time to adapt to Pau FC.

“If Quang Hai cannot participate in the AFF Cup, the Vietnamese team’s ability to win the championship in this tournament will be affected. Quang Hai is the best attacking player in Vietnam. Of course, someone will replace Quang Hai if he does not participate in the AFF Cup, but certainly when Quang Hai is absent, the Vietnamese team will be greatly affected,” added Coach Park Hang-seo.

Coach Park Hang-seo said many young players are still stressed. Photo: Hai Hoang

Regarding the new players currently on the team, Coach Park Hang-seo revealed: "The team has only practiced for 3 days, many new players show enthusiasm, but they are still quite nervous. I will try to help the young players develop their abilities, that is the duty of a Coach like me."

According to the Korean strategist, he always opens the door to players of Vietnamese origin, but only in cases where these players already have Vietnamese nationality. In addition, the issue of naturalization of players depends on the law, beyond the control of Coach Park Hang-seo.

"Currently, some teams in Southeast Asia are actively naturalizing. I think naturalization has advantages and disadvantages. I cannot say whether I like naturalization or not. We have to follow the regulations. If it is allowed, we will consider it further," said Mr. Park.

According to Coach Park Hang-seo's point of view: Naturalized players do not necessarily play well, but also depend on whether the player is suitable for the team's culture and playing style or not.

"Football is a team sport. I don't just bring that player back, but also have to see if that player can integrate into Vietnamese culture and spirit," the Korean coach added.

At the 2022 international friendly tournament, the Vietnamese team will meet Singapore (September 21) and India (September 27). India is the opponent of Park Hang-seo and his team at the AFF Cup 2022. Coach Park affirmed that he will calculate in the friendly match against this opponent, besides trying to analyze and understand the opponent.

Hai Hoang