Football

Defender Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh of Việt Nam (No 20) makes a header during the match between Việt Nam and Iraq at the 2023 Asian Cup in Doha. Việt Nam suffered a penalty in the last second and lost 3-2. Photos courtesy of VFF

HÀ NỘI — Philippe Troussier regretted Việt Nam's results at the Asian Cup but was full of praise for his team. He admitted there was a lot of work to be done.

They finished their campaign with no points despite spirited performances, losing to Japan, Iraq and Indonesia. The team made powerhouses Japan and Iraq work hard to secure their wins, while Indonesia could only take three points thanks to a penalty kick.

“With the likes of Japan and Iraq in our group, we always knew it was going to be really hard and I must say I am quite satisfied with Việt Nam’s performance over the three matches,” said Troussier on the-afc.com.

“We have historically been losing control in the last 30 minutes of the game, and I think it has a lot to do with fitness because once you’re tired you tend to lose control over your emotions."

The Frenchman said that although Việt Nam were out prior to the Iraq match, players were asked to play their best for the national pride. The match was considered to be for his side's preparation for the World Cup qualification in March.

Coach Philippe Troussier of Việt Nam talks with players during the Việt Nam vs Iraq match. Despite defeat, Việt Nam show off their spirited performance at the continental event.

He appreciated players' strong effort and spirit till the last minutes and left Doha with impressive marks in people's hearts. He hoped that his team would continue to receive encouragement and recognition from local media and supporters.

Regarding the World Cup matches, Troussier said Việt Nam would have better performance in March and June. After that deadline, people would clearly judge the national team's achievement.

"I always want to look for the most positive aspects. Even in victory, I hope people to point out our imperfections. And when the results are not good, I hope to be reminded about our weaknesses that need improvement," he said.

He also confirmed that if the Việt Nam Football Federation officials still believed in him, he would work harder for the best result.

Philippe Troussier takes 15 minutes after the game to talk with players, praising, encouraging and pushing them for the next competition.

"I have worked in many different football backgrounds and my style is refined, not following any specific style. One of my methods is to motivate players to develop their maximum potential," he said.

"I chose Việt Nam because there are many talented players here. They easily adjust and adapt to new things at a higher level. As long as the players and VFF still trusts me, I will continue to make efforts."

Local media also quoted a source from a VFF leader who said: "Our opponents in the Asian Cup are very strong, while we faced with shortage of best forces. All changes took time, especially when Vietnamese football is in a rejuvenation phase. We think this is not the right time to discuss the issue of replacing coach Troussier."

He added that the upcoming two matches against Indonesia in the March World Cup qualifier would be the best answer for the hot seat of the 'White Witch'. 

Philippe Troussier has worked in Việt Nam for nearly one year. He has not gained a single win during this time, but VFF believes that his work will pay off at the 2026 World Cup qualifier in March.

"In fact, the results of our first two rounds in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers are good. (In March) when we have the best players in the team, we can completely beat Indonesia," he said.

The Việt Nam delegation, divided into three groups, will arrive home on January 26.

They will dismiss for the local league before getting back together for training in mid-March in Hà Nội. 

Việt Nam will visit Indonesia on March 21 and host them five days later with the venues being confirmed later. VNS