Viet Nam raring to take on Man City

Viet Nam captain Le Cong VInh (right) vies for the ball against midfielder Que Ngoc Hai during training to prepare for their friendly match against Manchester City tonight. 

Speaking at a press conference yesterday in Ha Noi, the Japanese coach said the entire team was happy to have a chance to play Manchester City, one of the best clubs in the world.

“We will play our best in tomorrow’s match, although no tactic could be a surprise for Manchester City. Yes, of course, I hope my players will receive good experience to use in their coming World Cup qualification,” he said.

Viet Nam captain Le Cong Vinh also spoke at the briefing.

Asked what he would be thinking when facing world-class goalkeeper Joe Hart of the City side, Vinh said: “Not only myself, but also all of the other players will be faced with challenges when playing against such a talented goalie. But as a striker, I will have my way, and hope that together with my teammates, we will have a good match tomorrow.”

On the visiting side, coach Manuel Luis Pellegrini Ripamonti confirmed that the best players will be on the field tomorrow, while Hart said his team were ready for the match.

“It is an important match for us, as we have only two friendly matches to improve our team ahead of the new season,” said Pellegrini, who added that he enjoyed Vietnamese coffee very much.

“Tomorrow, fans will see our best ones, such as (Raheem Shaquille) Sterling and Hart on the field,” he said, adding that he would use as many players as possible.

The only change in Manchester City’s line-up is the disappearance of newcomer Fabian Delph, who suffered an injury in Australia and has to return to England for medical treatment.

Hart said that despite the difference in weather between Viet Nam and Australia, Manchester City would not be held back by any obstacles, as previously they also competed in similar conditions. And they still have one more day to adapt to the weather.

Earlier yesterday, the Manchester City squad was divided into three groups that took part in different activities to meet with the Vietnamese people.

Midfielder David Silva and four teammates arrived at SOS Village, where they were warmly welcomed by hundreds of young fans.

Silva, who received a portrait drawn by one of fans, said he would forever cherish the memory.

Also, defender Bacary Sagna and three players visited Viet Nam National University.

In his second time visiting the country, the Frenchman said he was pleased with the what Vietnamese fans gave to the team, adding that Vietnamese people were friendly and he loved Viet Nam.

Keeper Hart and teammates enjoyed a tour to Indochina Plaza, where they gave away tickets to lucky shoppers.

Saturday must be a special day for Fernando Francisco Reges and Gael Clichy, as they celebrated a jubilant birthday party with many fans waiting for them, along with cake, at Marriot Hotel Hanoi’s lobby.

Reges was 28 years old on Saturday, while Clichy was 29 yesterday.

The friendly match will start at 8pm today and be exclusively aired live on VTV6 and VTV6HD channels.