Hanoi FC determined to play fair on AFC Champions League farewell day

Hanoi FC was eliminated early in Group J of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League. Therefore, the match against Urawa Red Diamonds at 7:00 p.m. on December 6 at Hang Day Stadium is only a formality.

Coach Le Duc Tuan of Hanoi FC answers questions at the press conference before the match (Photo: Do ​​Minh Quan).

Speaking at a press conference before the match, Hanoi FC coach Le Duc Tuan said: "Hanoi FC has gone through a tight schedule. The match against Urawa will be Hanoi FC's last match in the AFC Champions League this season, and also the last home match. Our goal is to show our gratitude to the home crowd.

We are determined to contribute a beautiful match and balance the players for the upcoming journey. The whole team thanks the audience for watching and supporting the team in the past time. The players will play beautifully and contribute to spreading the image of Vietnamese football in the Asian playground."

Despite his determination, Coach Le Duc Tuan admitted the difficulties in terms of personnel: "This season, Hanoi Club's force is not strong enough to play on three fronts. In addition, we also have many injured players, who have been suspended. The whole team also has to travel a lot, without time to rest.

Regarding the squad, the coaching staff will discuss before making a decision, but perhaps we will have to let some key players rest and let the young players compete. They are also members of the national youth teams and are always ready to meet the requirements of the coaching staff."

Hanoi FC players are confident during a training session at My Dinh Stadium on the afternoon of December 5 (Photo: Do ​​Minh Quan).

Regarding the team's poor performance in the continental arena, coach Le Duc Tuan emphasized that this is a lesson for Vietnamese teams when participating in a major continental arena: "Hanoi Club has played 5 matches, against strong teams in Asia.

We played against the Chinese champions (Wuhan Three Towns), the reigning AFC Champions League champions (Urawa) and the reigning runners-up of South Korea (Pohang Steelers).

Thanks to these competitions, we learned a great lesson. That is, quality foreign players can carry the whole team, like a Thai club that spent a lot of money to buy foreign players and had good results, but also need to resonate with good domestic players. Vietnamese clubs need to train young players so that they can compete internationally to help the home team compete well in the continental playground."

Meanwhile, Hanoi FC striker Joel Tagueu affirmed: "We have prepared very well for the match against Urawa. The whole team won against Wuhan Three Towns in the previous round and will do everything to keep the 3 points in tomorrow night's match against Urawa.

Striker Joel Tagueu of Hanoi FC answers questions at a press conference on the afternoon of December 5 (Photo: Do ​​Minh Quan).

Unfortunately, I was suspended for 2 matches, so I was very sad because I could not contribute to the team in the previous matches. My goal and the whole team's goal is 3 points. Hanoi FC must fight for the team's honor. We want to end the group stage with a victory."

The match between Hanoi FC and Urawa Red Diamonds took place at My Dinh Stadium at 7:00 p.m. on December 6. In the first leg away match, the capital team lost 0-6.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/ha-noi-fc-quyet-choi-dep-trong-ngay-chia-tay-afc-champions-league-20231205174238735.htm