Coach Troussier: 'Winning against U22 Laos is good, drawing or losing is bad'

Facing U22 Laos, who were rated lower, U22 Vietnam entered the match with enthusiasm and right from the 2nd minute. It seemed that U22 Vietnam would have an easy game, however, U22 Laos played with determination, organized many dangerous attacks, and at many times they almost equalized, but goalkeeper Quan Van Chuan made many excellent saves.

Evaluating this match, coach Philippe Troussier said: ''The home team won so everyone will feel fine. A draw or loss would be worse.''

Coach Troussier added: "I'm very happy with the result. We scored two goals from open play and didn't concede. The result puts us in a good position for the next three games. Our goal is to finish first or second in the group."

Coach Philippe Troussier said that U22 Vietnam still has many issues that need to be improved. Photo: Hai Hoang

With U22 Vietnam's unconvincing performance on the opening day of the 32nd SEA Games, Coach Troussier clearly understands the issues that need to be improved so that the team can play better in the upcoming matches: "Starting the tournament with a victory is great. However, I cannot be satisfied with some details of the match.

The players can play better in many situations. However, I want to protect the players because the opening matches are always difficult. I only look at the results, because that is the foundation for the next matches."

U22 Vietnam has its first victory at SEA Games 32. Photo: Hai Hoang

In response to coach Michael Weiss' statement that U22 Laos deserved a draw, coach Troussier responded: "In my career, there has never been a victory that fell from the sky. My players worked hard to score goals, the defense and goalkeeper worked hard to keep a clean sheet.

The bad grass affected the way U22 Vietnam played. In this match, we scored an early goal, I don't know if that was a disadvantage or an advantage, because at that time my players were confused whether to continue to impose their style of play or protect the results. I agree with the view that U22 Laos played well, they had clear opportunities.

But U22 Vietnam won because they took advantage of their opportunities better. Winning is important, even though this match was not easy. Everyone knows that opening matches are always not easy. Even Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia in the first match. I emphasize again that U22 Vietnam won against Laos and I congratulate the players for that."

U22 Laos caused many difficulties for U22 Vietnam. Photo: Hai Hoang

Coach Philippe Troussier also admitted that he is under a lot of pressure: "I feel the pressure from the media, the Federation and the fans about the results and the titles that must be won. As a coach, I like pressure. Sometimes many people think that I am a coach, who can play for players, think for players, shoot or pass. I have only been working for two months, I cannot change immediately. But I want to convey a new philosophy.''

In the second round on May 3, Vietnam will meet Singapore - the team that lost 1-3 to Thailand in the opening match today./.

Hai Hoang (From Cambodia)