Coach Troussier: 'Vietnam has accumulated enough experience and combat experience'

INDONESIA- Coach Philippe Troussier believes that Vietnamese players have enough courage and ability to overcome all obstacles and achieve favorable results in the first leg match against Indonesia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

"The match against Indonesia is important. It is one of the matches that affects the goal of advancing. We are two points ahead, but Indonesia has a three-game advantage at home, while Vietnam only has two. But my players are ready," coach Troussier said at a press conference at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on the afternoon of March 20. "I have worked with the players for a year. I believe we have accumulated enough experience and practice. The most recent tournament, the 2023 Asian Cup, did not achieve the desired goal but also gained a lot. Although the result of the match against Indonesia at that time was not good, there were still positive points. In the second half, my players performed well, and I reminded them to keep that in mind. Currently, the whole team is confident. We will show that in tomorrow's match. It will be a big challenge for Vietnam. But we like challenges."

Coach Troussier answered the press conference on March 20, before the Vietnam - Indonesia match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Photo: Lam Thoa

In Group F, Vietnam is currently second with three points, after beating the Philippines 2-0 and losing to Iraq 0-1 in the November 2023 series. Indonesia has the same point as the Philippines but is at the bottom of the group due to inferior goal difference. Therefore, the two upcoming matches, the first leg on March 21 at Bung Karno Stadium and the second leg at My Dinh on March 26, will likely decide the chances of the two teams advancing.

Since signing a contract with VFF, Coach Troussier has only faced Indonesia once and lost 0-1 at the 2023 Asian Cup. This was Vietnam's first defeat against a Southeast Asian opponent in eight years, causing the team to be eliminated early and Coach Troussier to be heavily criticized.

However, coach Troussier does not think that result affects the mentality of Vietnamese players at this time. He said: "I often say that we have to look objectively at the performance on the field and the results. Sometimes winning does not mean playing well. Sometimes losing does not mean playing badly. I know everyone expects good results. But as a coach, I have to look at the players to see where they performed well and where they did not. My players have tried hard. It's just that we have not been lucky. We are improving to be better. The squad I brought to Indonesia is to prepare for both matches. I calculated both the main and reserve players, coming on to create breakthroughs. With careful preparation, I believe we can create surprises and beautiful moments."

Currently, Coach Truossier's team is at a disadvantage when missing a series of key players due to injuries such as goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, defenders Doan Van Hau, Do Duy Manh, midfielder Nguyen Tuan Anh, striker Pham Tuan Hai. On the contrary, Indonesia promptly added a series of naturalized players playing in Europe, mainly in the Netherlands. Although they did not have time to use Thom Haye and Ragnar Oratmangoen, they still have nine players born and raised abroad, including defenders Shayne Pattynama, Jordi Amat, Sandy Walsh, Justin Hubner, Jay Idzes, Nathan Tjoe Aon, midfielders Marc Klok, Ivar Jenner and striker Rafael Struick.

Therefore, many fans are concerned about Vietnam's ability to succeed. When this was mentioned, Coach Troussier seemed dissatisfied. The French coach said: "Many people think my way of doing things is not suitable. Some people even think I am destroying Vietnamese football. I understand the current situation. But every national team coach in the world faces that. I always focus on what I can do for Vietnamese football. I feel that every day the players always try their best in training and living. Maybe now many people do not trust me. Maybe they collect information through social networks. But everyone can rest assured, the team will always try their best."

Regarding the match result, Troussier said he is not a psychic or fortune teller to predict the most accurate result, but affirmed that the players will take to the field and fight with the highest spirit. "As the head coach, I am always ready to be the captain facing the storm. I believe that behind me are warriors. Warrior players will be ready to overcome the storm," he emphasized.

Coach Shin Tae-yong (left) and Philippe Troussier shake hands after a press conference on March 20, one day before the Indonesia - Vietnam match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Photo: Lam Thoa

Regarding Indonesia having many naturalized players, Coach Troussier said it is difficult to give an exact answer. According to his experience, there are three ways to develop a football industry. One is to promote the development of local football by improving the quality of players on the field, referees... The second is how to get players to play abroad. The French coach cited the fact that Vietnam has Doan Van Hau, Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Van Toan who have played abroad but have not played much, have not left their mark, while Japan or Korea - the leading football countries in Asia today - have many players playing in Europe. "In Japan, Urawa won the national championship, but the club's contribution to the national team is zero," the former coach of the Japanese national team added.

And the third way is to have a lot of new naturalized players. Coach Troussier has no problem with this. He thinks that naturalized players will have difficulty adapting, but if they overcome that, they will have a good match.

Lam Thoa - Vnexpress.net

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