Head coach Mai Duc Chung: “Vietnam will face stronger opponents in the final”
In the interview, one day after the big victory 7-0 over host Tajikistan to qualifier the final Asian Cup 2022, head coach Mai Duc Chung shared his preparation for the group stage campaign.
01/10/2021 14:57:56
– Congratulate you and the team while completing the mission and secure the finals slot. How do you remark about this campaign?
Head coach Mai Duc Chung: Before the competition, all team knew that we had to do all our abilities in each match. The first step is becoming the winner of the group and joining into the finals, and now we are facing the challenge in the second phase… Keep going and hoping for success!
In the first phase, there were some difficulties due to the pandemic. It’s almost 2 years since the team couldn’t play or train overseas. VFF worked hard to find the solution but it’s a tough mission. Therefore, the young players didn’t have a chance to gain experience. These matches were valuable experiences. The journey is still very long.
– These two matches, the team had a total of 23 goals and no goal back. How do you remark these results?
Head coach Mai Duc Chung: 23 goals in 2 matches is a big number. We have never had such many goals like that. However, it doesn’t reach our expectations. There are many spaces to develop and the players need to adjust for better results.
– The team completed the mission, so what is the most satisfying thing for you?
Head coach Mai Duc Chung: I am satisfied that we are the winner of group B to go into the next round, I am also satisfied with the competitive spirit of players. But I still regret it because we couldn’t make more changes to become a goal.
– The finals will kick off in the early of 2022, can you share the upcoming plan of the team?
Head coach Mai Duc Chung: After coming back and quarantine, we will have 7-10 days off, then I will suggest VFF let the team gather again. The players need practice frequency to maintain the force. Therefore, the next gathering period will be sooner. More time practice will be better. The final is not easy as the group stage, all opponents are the good teams in Asia. I’m planning to call some young players in the next period, so we can have more choices.
– What do you think about the change of Vietnam in this final phase?
Head coach Mai Duc Chung: I think the chance is for all teams. As I said, the teams are strong. So, preparation is really important.
VFF always provides good conditions for the women’s team. However, to play well in the final, the team needs to have more training matches with stronger opponents. We hope that in the next period, the pandemic will be under control and the team will have the camps overseas.
– To get closer to the world level, what are the points that the Vietnam women team needs to improve?
Head coach Mai Duc Chung: It will need the fully improve in physical strength, tactics thinking, skill, etc. If we can do that, the team will have better achievement. Thailand used to two-time play in the World Cup, however, they also lost 0-20 in some matches. Therefore, Vietnam women’s football needs careful preparation.
– Thank you for your interview.
