Striker Ho Tuan Tai: 'SEA Games 29 is a painful lesson for me'

(Baonghean.vn) - Although he has stopped feeling remorseful after the unsuccessful SEA Games 29, striker Ho Tuan Tai still uses that as motivation to strive for success.

- After returning from Malaysia, ending the journey of U22 Vietnam at its last SEA Games, how do you feel now?

When I first arrived at the airport, as well as when I returned home for a while, I still felt sad and regretful for what I had not done at the 29th SEA Games. I could have done better. However, now I have calmed down and accepted the defeat with a balanced state. My sadness has also somewhat lessened after being with my family and now with my brothers and teammates at SLNA.

Ho Tuan Tai has returned to the SLNA club to prepare for the rest of V.League 2017. Photo: Trung Kien.

- So what about your mother and cousin Pham Van Quyen, what advice did they give you?

My mother encouraged me a lot. She said that I have to be strong, that I have to fall to grow. My fall today is the premise for my success tomorrow. She really hopes that I will stand up from where I failed and try to respond with my actions on the field.

Mr. Quyen still gave me compliments for my efforts, and he advised me to let things go, not to think too much but to focus on V.League. Besides, the support and encouragement of fans and friends gave me more motivation.

- Although he scored 2 goals in the group stage, in the 2 important matches against Indonesia and Thailand, Tuan Tai did not play as well as expected. Personally, how do you think about your performance at SEA Games 29?

I have just returned from injury so my performance is still not good. My feeling for the game and my feeling for the goal have just returned, not like before. If I had more time to play, I would definitely do better. Being too excited has also affected my performance.

- During the time working with coach Nguyen Huu Thang, how did he encourage you?

Coach Thang believed in me and gave me the opportunity to compete. I am very grateful for that and every time I step onto the field, I try to do my best. Coach Thang encouraged me to do my best and everything will come naturally. Whatever the result, he will take responsibility so I just need to focus on competing. Coach Thang's working style and strength are things that we all feel we have to take more responsibility for.

SEA Games 29 was truly a tournament that gave Tuan Tai valuable lessons. Photo: Hoai Hoan

- After experiencing the last SEA Games of your career, what lessons have you learned for yourself?

Through the preparation process for the SEA Games and 5 official matches, I have gained valuable practical experience. These are hard-won lessons so that I can be more courageous in my future football career. Returning to SLNA, I will forget those sorrows and focus on training, showing what I have in the club's shirt at V.League.

- There were too many harsh criticisms for you during your competition at SEA Games 29 as well as after the tournament. Do you blame the fans for that?

Fans always want us to play well to bring success, they care, they trust, that's why everyone is like that. I never blame or think too much. Having decided to pursue a career as a player, I have to overcome the pressure of public opinion. I am very grateful to the fans who have encouraged and been with me during the most difficult times. And now I just have to prove it with concrete actions.

- Thank you Tuan Tai and wish you good performance at V.League 2017!

Trung Kien