Coach Garrath McPherson at the press conference before the semi-final match with U23 Vietnam - Photo: ANH KHOA
At noon on July 24, the press conference before the semi-finals of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship took place in Indonesia. The Vietnam U23 team will meet the Philippines U23 team in the first semi-final match taking place at 4:00 p.m. tomorrow (July 25).
This is the first time the Philippines has made it to the semi-finals of a Southeast Asian U23 tournament. Therefore, both the players and fans of the Philippines are very excited.
Coach Garrath McPherson appeared relaxed ahead of the match against U23 Vietnam. He said: "We are fine. In the group stage, we played 3 matches and had 1 day to rest. We are supported by the whole country so we feel very happy ahead of the semi-final."
The Australian coach highly appreciated the efforts of the U23 Philippines at the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship, thereby making history.
He said: "Initially we were among the teams that were not highly rated. However, we played more unitedly and better with each match.
It's great to be in the semi-finals. The players love their country, love this sport . They know they have great support from home. I'm also very happy with what we've achieved so far."
Midfielder John Lucero at the press conference before the semi-final match with U23 Vietnam - Photo: ANH KHOA
Speaking about the two strikers Otu Banatao and Javier Mariona who are highly appreciated by coach Kim Sang Sik, coach Garrath McPherson shared: "Both have international experience, played in the 2024 ASEAN Cup and contributed greatly to our journey to the semi-finals.
They have a tactical vision and impressive passing ability. However, I still believe we have a squad with all 23 players of quality."
Coach Garrath McPherson said he had calculated plans to stop U23 Vietnam. "U23 Vietnam has many goals from set pieces, is always well prepared, has many players playing for the national team and in the national championship.
I have a plan to prevent set pieces from Vietnam U23. We also have players who are good at aerial combat. Let's wait and see how we neutralize that weapon of Vietnam."
Present at the press conference, midfielder John Lucero, although assessing U23 Vietnam as strong, showed no fear. He said: "U23 Vietnam is a strong opponent. But we will focus more on ourselves, focus on how we prepare and follow the set tactics."
"In every tournament, we are not highly rated but the whole team always tries our best. The important thing is that we do not think we are a weak team, we are very confident, always trying to reach the semi-finals and finals. I think we deserve more respect," he added.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hlv-u23-philippines-hay-cho-xem-chung-toi-hoa-giai-u23-viet-nam-20250724135633067.htm
Comment (0)