HANOI-Coach Philippe Troussier affirmed that he was well prepared to defeat Indonesia in My Dinh, regaining second place in Group F as well as the opportunity to continue in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
"Vietnam still maintains the same goal, which is to get the best result to enter the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup. After tomorrow's match with Indonesia, we have two more matches (against Iraq and the Philippines). In the current context of Group F, Vietnam still holds the initiative and self-determination. We have no doubts about the final goal set," Coach Troussier said at a press conference on March 25, before the match at My Dinh Stadium.
The French coach sees being able to play two home matches in the remaining three matches in the qualifying round as a great advantage and hopes to receive the support of a large audience. He affirmed that the team is aware of its responsibilities and duties towards the fans as well as the national team. “Of course, setting goals is one thing, it's important that players perform on the field as well. Results do not come from set goals and dreams. It comes from what the players can show on the field," he said, while calling on the players to follow tactics, be strong in disputes, be wise and handle accurately, in addition to discipline issues. .
Coach Philippe Troussier gave an interview before the Vietnam - Indonesia match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Photo: Lam Thoa
Indonesia is a double obsession for coach Troussier. The French coach first encountered the island team at the 2004 Asian Cup, when leading Qatar. His team at that time was rated higher but suddenly "fell" 1-2, costing him his chair. After 20 years, the risk of Troussier once again being fired because of Indonesia exists again. The trust that Vietnamese fans have in him is running out when the team experiences three consecutive losses to this opponent in the semi-finals of the SAE Games 2023, the group stage of the 2024 Asian Cup and the third round of qualifying at the 2026 World Cup.
The most recent defeat, at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on March 21, caused Vietnam to lose second place to Indonesia. Troussier's team has just three points after three matches, one point behind its direct competitor and six points behind leader Iraq. If they cannot win in the rematch at My Dinh tomorrow, the door for Vietnam to enter the third qualifying round will be considered closed. This means it is likely that Troussier will be fired, because the terms of his contract clearly stipulate that he must take the team forward in the World Cup qualifiers.
Before the vital match with Indonesia, Coach Troussier said he had analyzed and speculated about Indonesia's approach to play. According to him, the away team can counterattack or suddenly attack preemptively. But no matter what the plan is, Vietnam must be ready to face it. “No matter what personnel are used, we must strive until the last second. Our goal is to have no regrets after finishing the match," the 68-year-old strategist emphasized.
In this match, Vietnam will have the return of Khuat Van Khang, a player who was suspended in the first leg due to receiving a red card in the 2024 Asian Cup. He is likely to be the main starter because he is on the list of young players selected. favored by the French military leader.
Regarding the anti-throw-in plan, coach Troussier affirmed that everyone is prepared to deal with it, and believes that this problem is not actually serious. "I want the players not to waver, not to be afraid of Indonesia's throw-in situation," he said. “In the previous match, there was only one mistake in that situation. At the 2023 Asian Cup, we also faced many throw-in situations, but did not lose. In the last match, there was only one error, a personal mistake. I was well prepared. Tomorrow, if Arhan comes on the field, we will have better control. Not only throw-ins but other situations as well. We will try to control the situation."
After the first leg, coach Troussier said that the team gained many positive things despite losing. He explained that Vietnam has a large force of players with diverse individual skill sets, so there are many opportunities to adjust their fighting style. According to the former Japan coach, his players were all ready when they entered the field, and the reserve players also performed well. “There are 15-16 players ready to play tomorrow, in addition to three-four strategic reserve players. This intense match requires physical strength, so we must have adequate reserves and substitutions. I believe the players are ready,” he said.
Coach Troussier also said that in recent days he has observed the expressions, attitudes, eyes and lifestyle so he is not worried about the player's spirit. He believes they are still full of desire. “I always want them to perform better on the field. I am the coach, giving direction and tactics. After a long working process, I know they understand me. I told them to dare to accept responsibility. On the field I don't play for them. Success or not comes from the player's decisions. In addition to complying with the rules of the game, players must be aware of how to perform best. Only then will the results come."
Lam Tho – Vnexpress.net
