HÀ NỘI — Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn will introduce a different squad at the coming Asian U19 Football Championship in Bahrain.

At the recent ASEAN championship, Việt Nam, without its best players, came in third, behind Australia and Thailand.

Further, the team will play differently after they are joined by three talented players who finished the national premier league and are now available.

Viettel FC’s duo, Dương Văn Hào and Nguyễn Trọng Đại, and Hà Nội T&T’s Nguyễn Quang Hải, are the last links of the team.

“We disappointed fans at that event. The coaching board knew the problem and tried to fix it. Now, we can say that we are good in technique and head to Bahrain with a strong focus on competitiveness,” said Tuấn.

“It is nearly perfect for us at this moment. I have my best players and we are ready for the tournament, although our rivals are considered much stronger than us.

“We are not requiring a high target for the event, but we know our responsibility and will try our best in every match,” added Tuấn.

Tuấn and his 22 players arrived in Qatar for their short training course, prior to the event.

“I am more confident after one year of competing in the V.League. The tournament brought me more experience and helped me to improve my skills. I am excited to play,” said Hải, who received the captain’s band from the head coach yesterday.

During its time practicing in Doha, Việt Nam will play a friendly match against Tajikistan on Sunday. Two days later, they will fly to Bahrain.

At the AFC tournament, Việt Nam are in Group B with North Korea, United Arab Emirates and Iraq. Việt Nam will meet North Korea on October 14, United Arab Emirates on October 17 and Iraq on October 20. — VNS