Coach Troussier: 'I understand the feelings of fans and media after the two losses of the Vietnam team'

On the afternoon of January 23, coach Philippe Troussier shared with the media before the match between Vietnam and Iraq (6:30 p.m. January 24). This is the last match of the two teams in Group D at the 2023 Asian Cup.

Coach Troussier revealed that the goal is still to win: ''Vietnam lost two matches so we no longer have the ability to continue. But the whole team still maintains its motivation for two reasons. Firstly, to keep the flag and honor at the continental level. Secondly, the match with Iraq is the foundation to prepare for the two World Cup qualifying matches with Indonesia.

Although we lost the match against Indonesia, we showed a strong spirit. The players did not give up until the last minute. This is what the players need to maintain for tomorrow's match as well as the two matches in March 2024. After the loss to Indonesia, coach Troussier was heavily criticized, and the French strategist said that he was responsible for this.

''I accept and take responsibility for the team's results. I understand the feelings of the fans and the media after two defeats. They do not look at what we have done in the past 8 months. When the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) hired me, Vietnam had lost 8 matches in the World Cup qualifiers.

The goal of VFF is to create new energy to face the top teams. It is not easy for Vietnam to face the top 10 teams in Asia. I have to choose a new approach. I choose players who are not afraid, dare to play with ball control. We are still improving.

Even though we lost, I still see progress in the young players. At the moment, we are eliminated but our spirit and attitude are good so I am still satisfied. People outside have an outside perspective, I am different, we try hard every day.

Sometimes they criticize me, criticize my team. The media says Troussier is responsible. Ok. When I lose, it's me, when I get a penalty... Ok. VFF chose me. I will fight. I will help the team improve as much as possible. I accept criticism aimed at me. But they criticize the players without seeing them try to improve. I find it hard to accept. I accept responsibility for the results, the errors. But as long as the players still respect me. The Federation still trusts me, I will continue to fight.''

Coach Troussier also explained why he did not use Hung Dung when playing against Indonesia: ''My personnel selection is based on analysis and real situations. The assistant gives the data but I am always the one who is ultimately responsible for the lineup. In the match against Indonesia, for 10 minutes they pushed the lineup high, with great pressure.

But I have to say about the second half, we played well, deserved to score. Of course, we lost a man in the last minutes so it was difficult. In football, sometimes the result comes from mistakes. I want to consolidate what the players did in the second half against Indonesia and the breakthrough when facing Japan. I hope the players will keep that fighting spirit tomorrow."

Assessing tomorrow's opponents, Mr. Troussier commented: ''Don't forget Iraq was once the Asian champion. I think Iraq is in the top 5, top 6 of Asia. They can compete with Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. In my opinion, Iraq will be present at the upcoming World Cup. This team can be an example for us to develop.

I try to explain to the players techniques, tactics. They need more experience of the top game. I try to teach them, they try too. Of course it is not easy. I am trying to open up a new path, a new vision.

Talking about the possibility of winning against Iraq in the final match of the 2023 Asian Cup, the captain of the Vietnamese team said: Of course we will try our best. We hope to create something great. I have a lot of expectations, hoping that the players can follow. I read many comments from Japan, Iraq or Qatar saying that we are doing well, making progress. I hope tomorrow the players will play well, create a good image even if we lose''./.

Hai Hoang