Coach Philippe Troussier: “The Vietnam team is ready to face the challenge on Indonesia’s field”
Speaking at the press conference before the match with the Indonesia team in the World Cup 2026 Asian 2nd Qualifiers, head coach Philippe Troussier expressed confidence in his players and affirmed the Vietnam team is ready to face the challenge when coming to Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
21/03/2024 09:40:24
“Tomorrow’s match against Indonesia is important. It was one of those matches that had an impact on the goal going forward. Each team has four matches remaining, including two pivotal matches. We are two points ahead of Indonesia, but our opponent has an advantage of three games at home, and we only have two left. But, my players are ready,” coach Philippe Troussier said.
The French coach added: “I have spent a year working with the players. I believe we have accumulated enough experience and real combat. The most recent tournament is the 2023 Asian Cup, although has not achieved the desired goal, but still has a harvest. Although the results are not good, there are still positive points. In the second half of the match against Indonesia, my players performed well, and I reminded them to keep that in mind. Now the whole team is confident. We will show that in tomorrow’s match. That will be a big challenge for the Vietnam team. But we like the challenges.
I often say that we must look objectively between performance on the field and results. Sometimes winning doesn’t mean playing well. Sometimes losing doesn’t mean playing badly. I know everyone expects good results. But as a coach, I have to look at the players to see where they performed well and not well. My players tried their best. But we haven’t been lucky in many things. We are improving for the better. The squad I brought to Indonesia to prepare for both matches. I calculated both the main and substitute players, entering the field to create a breakthrough. With careful preparation, I believe we can create surprises and beautiful moments.”
The match between the Indonesia team and the Vietnam team will take place at 8:30 pm of March 21 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. According to information from the host country’s organizers, all tickets to watch the match have been sold out, meaning that the stands with a capacity of nearly 80,000 seats will be filled. This is no small pressure on the Vietnam team. Even so, head coach Philippe Troussier still believes that he and his players will overcome the storm. “As head coach, I am always ready to be the captain to face the storms. I believe behind me are warriors. Warrior players will be ready to overcome challenges,” he emphasized.
Attending the press conference with head coach Philippe Troussier, midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc said: “Tomorrow’s match has important meaning for both teams. We have practiced, understood the head coach’s philosophy and will play with the highest spirit and dedication to the fans. Tomorrow is also our coach’s birthday, we will fight to get good results for him.”
Nguyen Hoang Duc also shared: “I was absent from the last tournament due to injury. Watching the team compete, I saw that the whole team also performed well, especially in the match against Japan. Now I’m back and actively preparing with the team for the next match. Once on the team, I am always ready and eager to show progress and move towards victory with the whole team.”
