Vietnam team attends Asian Cup, when hope starts from disappointment

"I know many fans do not support me and the Vietnamese team. But we consider it as strength and motivation to try harder, prove and answer for everyone with our performances in the matches" - coach Philippe Troussier expressed before leaving for Qatar to prepare for the 2023 Asian Cup.

Coach Troussier and the Vietnamese team prepare to enter the 2023 Asian Cup. Photo: Minh Dan

Memories of 2018 come flooding back At the end of 2017, the Vietnam Football Federation announced the new head coach of the Vietnam national team - Mr. Park Hang-seo. That was the time when most fans were losing faith in Vietnamese football. Despite having two generations of talented players such as Cong Phuong, Quang Hai, Van Toan, Dinh Trong, Van Hau... coach Huu Thang failed to help U22 Vietnam win the SEA Games gold medal at that time. The 0-3 loss to U22 Thailand caused U22 Vietnam to be eliminated right from the group stage. That last straw made Mr. Huu Thang leave the chair of the national team and U23 Vietnam, leaving behind a lot of disappointment. Therefore, not many people paid attention and paid attention when VFF announced the new head coach Park Hang-seo. Many people even slandered the Korean coach with the nickname "Mr. Sleepy" when his brilliant halo was left behind for nearly 20 years.

Coach Park Hang-seo. Photo: VFF

Before leaving for the 2018 U23 Asian Cup, amid the skepticism and indifference of football fans, Mr. Park Hang-seo once said: "I want to do something with U23 Vietnam at the U23 Asian Cup. Please believe and support us." From disappointment and frustration, fans went through unexpected emotions when following the historic journey of U23 Vietnam. That success opened a new chapter of success for the country's football. Waiting for motivation at the 2023 Asian Cup Coach Park Hang-seo said goodbye to the Vietnam team after half a decade with many titles. His successor is of course under great pressure from expectations. Not every coach is ready to face the challenge. But Mr. Troussier, a nomad, decided to take on the role of leading the Vietnam team. Previously, Mr. Troussier had a period of leading the U18-U19 Vietnam team from 2019 to mid-2021. The plan to develop young players towards a higher level in the Asian region, which was cherished by the French coach, was unfortunately unfinished due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, when returning to Vietnamese football in a higher position, Mr. Troussier wanted to continue implementing the strategy he outlined. Over the past 8 months, the characteristics and changes in the coaching style of the U23 and the Vietnamese team have been built by him.

Coach Troussier is going through a difficult and stressful time. Photo: Minh Dan

In terms of achievements, U23 Vietnam reached the final round of the 2024 U23 Asian Cup, and the Vietnamese team has also gone through a series of friendly matches with increasing levels in 2023. However, not everyone is satisfied with Mr. Troussier's preparation process. The fact that the Korean coach frankly removed the names of some stars, whether it was due to injury or expertise, still faced great pressure and criticism from a part of the football fans. The story of the Vietnamese team losing to China, Uzbekistan, Iraq or South Korea became the reason why many fans did not support Mr. Troussier. The "French gentleman" knew that well. He frankly said that currently, many fans do not support him and the Vietnamese team. Many people even demanded that he leave the head coach's chair. However, Mr. Troussier is still steadfast in his view of developing Vietnamese football. He understands that the coaching staff and players are still on the right track in their goal of confidently surpassing Southeast Asia. The 2023 Asian Cup is an opportunity for coach Troussier to prove his worth. The day the Vietnamese team left Noi Bai airport for Qatar, not many fans really cared. But like the memories of 2018, the start after disappointment is a journey of surprise and hope. As Mr. Troussier cherished before the departure: "Who knows, maybe Vietnam can do something against Japan at the Asian Cup!".

Laodong.vn

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