Coach Troussier begins a major cleanup of his squad.
Having just announced the list of players called up to the Vietnam National Team with a series of new faces, Coach Philippe Troussier kept his promise to try out many of the 60 potential players.
Previously, Coach Troussier said he had a list of 60 players who could compete for a position in the Vietnam National Team.
The 68-year-old captain said: "We are in the process of moving towards the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which will take place from next November.
As the head coach of both the Vietnam National Team and U23 Vietnam, I have the advantage of working with and observing a large number of players.
I am still in the process of building and perfecting the squad. I understand that the younger and more flexible the player is, the faster he can adapt to new things. However, I do not close the door to any player.
I want to give equal opportunities to the players. Currently, there are 60 players who can compete for a position in the Vietnam National Team, but the final players will be those who are suitable for the playing style, show their mettle and complete their tasks well both with and without the ball at their feet."
In the list announced at noon on August 29, 2 days before the first training session on September 1, Coach Troussier surprised experts when many players unfamiliar with the National Team were called up.
Among them, we can mention Van Phong, Van Hao (Viettel), Hoang Thai Binh, Thanh Long (Dong A Thanh Hoa), Pham Trung Hieu, Nguyen Huu Son, Trieu Viet Hung (Hai Phong), Van Luan (Hanoi Police), Quang Nam (Hong Linh Ha Tinh). The returnees this time include Duc Chien, Van Quyet and Hung Dung.
With coach Troussier, all players have equal opportunities when he calls them up to the national team. And they also have to show their full potential to prove their strength to the old group.
This is an important time for many players if they want to be "spotted" by Coach Troussier and called up to the national team regularly in the future. They need to make an effort, even more than many other teammates, because the lack of international experience cannot be easily compensated in one meeting.
In addition, Coach Troussier showed considerable interest in players playing abroad such as Cong Phuong and Van Toan. Coach Troussier may want to verify whether their performance is good enough to be in the Vietnamese national team. In the long term, the above players may be eliminated if they do not meet the requirements.
From many names, Mr. Troussier will gradually narrow down the list of names that fit the criteria of the team he built as declared.
The two national team call-ups in September and October, although only friendly, will help the French coach shape the squad to be ready for the future. For many, this is also a rare opportunity.