Coach Cristiano Roland urged the Vietnam U17 team to improve their finishing ahead of the Asian Championship finals.
At the first training session in Jeddah, coach Cristiano Roland praised the spirit of the Vietnam U17 team but urged his players to quickly overcome weaknesses in finishing and tactical movement.
The Vietnam U17 team has officially entered the final preparation phase in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) in preparation for their opening match in Group C of the 2026 AFC U17 Championship. After a long journey, coach Cristiano Roland and his team are making every effort to adapt to international competition conditions and finalize the last pieces of their playing style.
High adaptability and readiness
Immediately after settling into their accommodation, the Vietnam U17 team held a training session to familiarize themselves with the pitch on the afternoon of May 2nd. The coaching staff's focus during this period was to help the players quickly adapt to the intensity of the competition and regain their feel for the ball. The weather in Jeddah was relatively ideal, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 32 degrees Celsius, combined with cool breezes in the evening, creating favorable conditions for the entire team to maintain their fitness.
Coach Cristiano Roland expressed his satisfaction with his players' attitude:"The most important thing right now is to help the players adapt as quickly as possible after their journey. The first training session aimed to familiarize them with the pitch, the ball, and the pace of the game. I am very pleased with their efforts; their readiness is at its highest level.".
Three key tactical areas needing improvement.
While acknowledging the team's efforts, the Brazilian strategist also frankly pointed out shortcomings that need to be addressed before facing U17 Yemen. Through in-depth analysis of the training plan, the U17 Vietnam coaching staff is focusing particularly on three key aspects:
- Organizing the game when in possession of the ball:Improve ball circulation and team formation.
- Defensive support:Enhance the ability to provide cover and improve communication between lines.
- Finishing performance:Optimizing scoring opportunities is a common weakness at youth levels.
"We need to improve further in terms of tactical movement and our ability to capitalize on opportunities. The players are well aware of these limitations and are working to adjust in each training session.""Coach Roland emphasized. The eagerness to learn from the young players is expected to help the team quickly reach maturity in both mindset and practical skills," he stressed.
Opening match: A pivotal challenge in Group C.
At the 2026 AFC U17 Championship, every group stage match is considered a final for the Vietnam U17 team. The clash against Yemen U17 is not only their opening match but also the most accurate measure of their recent preparation. The ultimate goal for Coach Roland's team is to reach the quarterfinals, replicating the impressive achievements of Vietnamese youth football on the continental stage.
With thorough preparation in terms of facilities in Saudi Arabia and a well-structured tactical plan, the Vietnam U17 team possesses the necessary confidence. The coming days will be the time for coach Roland to finalize the last personnel tests, ready to assert their dominance at Asia's biggest tournament for the U17 age group.