U.23 Laos coach determined the mentality of losing to U.23 Vietnam: Still thinking about the scenario of reaching the semi-finals

Coach Ha Hyeok-jun highly appreciated U.23 Vietnam and said that the U.23 Laos team set a very realistic goal of winning 1 match and losing 1 match.

"The goal of U.23 Laos is very realistic...'

On the afternoon of December 2, the press conference before the first match of Group B of the 33rd SEA Games men's football took place in Rajamangala. Head coach of Laos U.23, Mr. Ha Hyeok-jun, seemed to be determined to lose to the Vietnam U.23 team: "Our goal is very clear and realistic: win 1 match and lose 1 match. Hopefully we can qualify for the semi-finals. In this tournament, we have 2 players playing in Thailand, Phoutthavong Sangvilay (BG Pathum United) and Sayfon Keohanam (Suphanburi). I also expect this duo to shine to help Laos U.23 achieve their goal."

Laos coach prepares mentally, coach Kim Sang-sik suddenly reveals U.23 Vietnam's tactics

Coach Ha Hyeok-jun is quite confident.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Coach Kim Sang-sik and Coach Ha Hyeok-jun have respect for each other.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Obviously, coach Ha Hyeok-jun aimed to win against Malaysia and lose to the U.23 Vietnam team. In the most recent meeting (at the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 Championship), the U.23 Laos team lost 0-3 to coach Kim Sang-sik and his team. The players who scored in that match were Khuat Van Khang and Nguyen Hieu Minh (double).

The matches at the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship have also helped coach Ha Hyeok-jun gain more confidence. The Korean coach shared: "In terms of preparation, we did our best by making the most of the training time. The first match is always very important and I hope to have a good result."

He added: "Coach Kim Sang-sik and I have met many times before. In 2024 alone, we will meet four times. Coach Kim Sang-sik has helped Vietnamese football improve a lot. We have also progressed in many aspects. We will try our best to achieve good results. Laos has only over 7 million people, but the Laos U.23 team has a lot of supporters. Officials in Thailand will also come here to watch the team. Hopefully we will bring something special to the fans."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-u23-lao-xac-dinh-san-tam-ly-thua-u23-viet-nam-van-nghi-den-kich-ban-vao-ban-ket-185251202085530266.htm