Coach Mano Polking: 'Mr. Park has done many things to help Vietnamese football develop'

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Coach Mano Polking happily shared: “Of course we know the importance of this tournament and want to become the number 1 team in Southeast Asia. I always tell the players that the whole team must strive to win every match. Everyone had an unbelievable tournament, an unbelievable journey. We did our job well and I would like to thank all the players. I think we had a good plan.”

Coach Mano Polking had a successful tournament. Photo: Hai Hoang

“The 2-2 draw forced Vietnam to score in the second leg. It was difficult to score, let alone a 3-3 draw.

By the time Thailand opened the scoring, Vietnam needed to score two goals and that put them in a difficult position. Vietnam tried to press but our players maintained the necessary concentration to neutralize the opponent.

I am happy with this result and especially the fact that the whole team came together as one, played as a unified unit to win.

Talking about future goals, the German coach emphasized: “I can’t say too far ahead, but I hope Thai football will progress step by step. From affirming its position in Southeast Asia, the whole team will look to Asia, trying to play well in the Asian Cup. There, we will have the opportunity to compete with Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia… and hope the whole team will have a good performance. Participating in the World Cup requires a lot of things that I cannot do alone. As a head coach, I can only say that competing with stronger teams is a necessary step for progress.”

Finally, Mr. Polking shared his emotional thoughts aboutCoach Park Hang-seo: “I said, I am not the only one who feels missed when Mr. Park leaves Vietnamese football. He has done many things, helped Vietnamese football develop, created memorable marks for regional football. I believe everyone will remember the legacy that Mr. Park left behind.”

Hai Hoang (From Thailand)