Why are Vietnamese players reluctant to step out of their "comfort zone"?

After six months working in the V.League, the Japanese strategist believes that domestic players need to be more confident, strive to develop themselves, and set big goals instead of being content with the status quo. Teguramori's assessment aligns with the views of many experts and Vietnamese expatriate players regarding the lack of ambition among Vietnamese players.

So what are the reasons why professional athletes, especially in football, lack the motivation to improve their skills?

Lack of ambition due to high compensation

Many Vietnamese players grew up in a football environment that prioritized short-term achievements over long-term development. Youth training programs and the level of competition in the V.League haven't been intense enough to push players beyond their limits.

Fitness expert Bae Ji-Won once pointed out that players need to learn to listen, change, and adapt better, and this must be instilled from the youth academies. When the highest level of competition is not truly ideal for developing professionalism, it is inevitable that many players "lack ambition and dislike receiving criticism."

Prominent Vietnamese players often receive generous salaries and bonuses domestically, making them less interested in playing abroad. Vietnamese-born goalkeeper Nguyen Filip shared that in Vietnam, players have "everything" such as stable income and fame, so they no longer have the motivation to play overseas.

Some players lack a receptive attitude and dislike receiving feedback on their mistakes. Nguyen Filip observed that many teammates "don't like you pointing out their errors" and are easily offended, quickly becoming complacent after a little success. This "stability is good enough" mentality prevents them from proactively honing their skills and improving their performance.

Conversely, truly proactive individuals always listen to criticism to improve. Filip stated that he constantly seeks out his mistakes to correct them, even after the team has just won. A lack of proactiveness and a conservative approach to professional development clearly hinder an athlete's long-term growth.

Young players who are hailed as domestic stars from an early age are prone to complacency. Coach Mano Polking observes that many famous players in the V.League lack the motivation to try their luck in new environments for fear of losing their idol status, viewing playing abroad as a risk not worth the trade-off.

On the other hand, many talented players are also discouraged when they see their seniors like Cong Phuong and Quang Hai repeatedly fail abroad, especially since playing domestically they both earn high incomes and maintain their places in the national team.

Limited achievements, difficulty reaching international standards.

The lack of a proactive attitude has led to worrying consequences. In recent times, Vietnamese football has seen virtually no successful overseas ventures, while many talented players have chosen to stay and play domestically. Players who only play in the V.League will never realize or acknowledge their own limitations until they step onto the big stage.

The lesson learned at the beginning of 2024 shows that after a series of defeats against Indonesia, the players were astonished to realize that their opponent had transformed, while Vietnam's ambition and level of play were no longer what they were during their golden age a few years earlier.

Winning the ASEAN Cup 2024 was only a temporary morale boost, because the 0-4 defeat against Malaysia immediately afterward clearly exposed the limitations of Vietnamese football. If players are content with being domestic stars, then the dream of reaching the world stage, such as the World Cup, will forever remain a distant dream.

To change the current situation, Vietnamese football needs comprehensive solutions, from awareness to action. First and foremost, training must focus on nurturing ambition and adaptability in young players. From the youth levels onwards, players should be encouraged to set high goals, learn foreign languages, and develop the mentality to be ready to compete abroad.

As expert Bae Ji-Won suggests, learning to listen and adapt should "start from youth training, from the guidance of adults, team leaders and coaches." Following that, clubs and the Federation should proactively create opportunities for players to play abroad.

Expanding international cooperation and sending players to train in developed football nations will help Vietnamese talents accumulate valuable experience. More importantly, each player must dare to "step out of their comfort zone," as coach Mano Polking urged. Playing in a top-level environment, while not guaranteeing immediate success, will help them discover their own limits.

Furthermore, it is necessary to enhance competitiveness and professionalism in the domestic league. The V.League should aim for higher standards so that each match is a genuine competition, forcing players to give their maximum effort if they don't want to be eliminated.

Clubs also need to build a culture of discipline and progress, rewarding players' efforts to improve rather than focusing solely on short-term achievements. Finally, a shift in mindset is essential. Each player needs to understand that current glory is just the initial stepping stone; there are many more peaks to conquer ahead. Instead of complacency, they should view criticism and temporary setbacks as motivation to continue training.

Furthermore, fans and the media should also encourage the athletes' spirit of dedication and willingness to take on challenges. When a generation of players develops strong will and ambition, Vietnamese football will have a solid foundation to reach new heights.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/vi-sao-cau-thu-viet-nam-khong-muan-ra-khoi-vung-an-toan-154324.html