Philippines coach wants to surprise Vietnam team
(Baonghean.vn) - Coach Michael Weiss of the Philippines team affirmed his determination to create a surprise against the Vietnam team.
The Vietnamese team will officially enter Group F of the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup with the opening match against the Philippines at Rizal Memorial Stadium. Speaking at a press conference before the match, coach Michael Weiss affirmed that he will surprise the Vietnamese team.
"I'm happy that the Philippine Football Federation called up many players who have not been in the national team for a long time. I think the stadium will be packed. The Philippines should have won more in the preparatory matches, but we can't change. Anyway, I'm quite satisfied because I have talented players, interesting people.
I always like the players who play domestically and the experienced players who are performing very well and helping me a lot, not only on but also off the field. It makes me excited,” coach Michael Weiss said at a press conference before the match against Vietnam.
“The match against Vietnam is very important for us. We are lucky to play at home against Vietnam and Indonesia. It is a comfortable match and we want to take advantage of it. Against Southeast Asian teams, I want to bring surprises. But I am not a man of words, I want to show on the pitch and get results. We go into the match with the goal of winning. Every match we want to win,” the German coach confidently said.
Assessing the opponent, the captain of the Philippine team affirmed that it would not be easy for the Vietnamese team to get the desired result in the match on November 16: “Vietnam is highly rated but they will face many difficulties if they want to beat us. That is what I can promise, it is what is required of the Philippine team. Of course, the Philippine team needs determination. The players have technique but need more determination to deal with the opponent. This is a very attractive match and makes me excited.”
Talking about the advantage of artificial turf, coach Michael Weiss said it was all just speculation: “It's not the first time.Vietnam teamplay on artificial turf. They won the SEA Games here. So I'm not sure that's an advantage. But our players have been training here for a long time, being part of this stadium."
The match between Vietnam and the Philippines will take place at 6 p.m. on November 16 at Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila./.