VFF’s President meets and encourages the National Team and U22 National Team
On the afternoon of May 31, at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center, President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Trần Quốc Tuấn had a meeting to encourage the spirit of the National Team and the U22 National Team ahead of their upcoming important assignments. Also in attendance were VFF General Secretary Nguyễn Văn Phú and Director of the National Teams Department Đoàn Anh Tuấn.
02/06/2025 11:16:58
The meeting took place as the National Team is actively preparing for their away match against Malaysia in the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Meanwhile, the U22 National Team is currently in training camp, getting ready for the 2025 AFF U23 Championship, the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers, and the 33rd SEA Games.
During the meeting with the National Team, VFF President Trần Quốc Tuấn congratulated head coach Kim Sang Sik, the coaching staff, and the four players who recently participated in the ASEAN All-Stars squad for their successful and meaningful friendly match against Manchester United at Bukit Jalil Stadium (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia). This stadium will also host the upcoming match, considered a “decisive” fixture in Group F of the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. The team that wins this match will have a favorable opportunity to secure a spot in the finals.
Therefore, VFF President Trần Quốc Tuấn urged the entire team to stay fully focused, uphold a strong sense of unity, and give their utmost effort. He also expressed his hope that head coach Kim Sang Sik and his staff would find effective solutions to overcome the challenges related to the squad, especially given that several key players are unable to participate due to injuries. President Trần Quốc Tuấn affirmed that the VFF will continue to provide the best possible conditions for the team to prepare for this crucial match in Malaysia.
Regarding the U22 National Team, VFF President Trần Quốc Tuấn emphasized the importance of the three major upcoming competitions: the 2025 AFF U23 Championship, the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers, and the 33rd SEA Games. These are also tournaments in which Vietnam’s U22/U23 teams have achieved impressive results, including two championships at the AFF U23 Championship, one runner-up finish at the AFC U23 Asian Cup, and two consecutive gold medals at the SEA Games. President Trần Quốc Tuấn urged the players to have confidence in their abilities and to trust in the thorough and well-structured preparations that the VFF has put in place from an early stage. He called on the team to strive for excellence and fulfill their assigned tasks to the highest standard.
Returning to the National Team’s training session on the afternoon of May 31, head coach Kim Sang Sik still did not have the full squad available, as players from Becamex Bình Dương and CAHN clubs had just played their rescheduled 23rd round V.League matches and only arrived at the training camp in the evening. Some players, including Công Phượng, Đức Chiến, and goalkeeper Đình Triệu, were undergoing recovery treatment at the hotel. Defender Thành Chung had returned to training after resting due to a muscle strain, while newly added defender Đặng Văn Tới (from Hải Phòng Club) had also joined the squad and participated in training.
As for young defender Phạm Lý Đức, although he is a newly called-up addition to the National Team, he is still training with the U22 National Team. Speaking to the media, Phạm Lý Đức said, “I am very happy to hear the news of being called up to the National Team. I am currently waiting for further instructions from the head coach and am still training with the U22 team. I find the training programs of both teams quite similar. Whether training with the National Team or the U22 team, I am always determined and give my all.”
