" I read many comments from international sources. Many people think we are doing well, except for the Vietnamese media. Hopefully we will play well against Iraq. Even if we lose, the Vietnamese team needs a good image so that everyone can see that we still have a future ahead ," coach Philippe Troussier said at a press conference on the afternoon of January 23.
The French coach emphasized the view that the Vietnamese team has made progress even after losing two consecutive matches at the 2023 Asian Cup and being eliminated early.
"When VFF signed the contract with me, the Vietnamese team had just lost 8 consecutive matches in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against the strongest teams in Asia. VFF's goal was to come up with a new strategy to compete with the top 10 in Asia. That's why I'm here," said coach Troussier.
"It is not easy for the Vietnamese team to compete with the top 10 in Asia because many things will have to change, such as needing players who can control the ball and are not afraid of facing strong opponents. We are in this process. The Asian Cup may come a bit early but I have seen the good points of the players."
Coach Troussier is not happy with the media.
The match between Vietnam and Iraq does not mean much in terms of achievements for both teams. Iraq is certain to advance while Vietnam is eliminated early with two consecutive losses. Therefore, Iraq will likely adjust its starting lineup.
The French coach and his players received a lot of criticism on social media and in the media after the defeat against the Indonesian team. This was a match in which the Vietnamese team did not play well, making mistakes that led to the defeat against their Southeast Asian rivals.
Coach Troussier said: " Facing the reactions of the media is part of my job. I understand this. The Vietnamese media react emotionally like the fans. They don't look at what we have done in the past 8 months ."
The former head coach of the Japanese national team said that despite losing two matches against Japan and Indonesia, the players have made progress and matured in daring to play without fear. In the match against Indonesia, Coach Troussier saw the strong spirit of the players.
The Vietnamese team showed stability in their playing style. He expressed his confidence that his players would improve their level to compete with strong teams like Japan. The Vietnamese team will continue to play like this against Iraq and the next time they meet Indonesia, things will be different.
Meanwhile, Iraq's head coach Jesus Casas commented: " The Vietnamese team has lost two matches. I was at the stadium watching the match between Vietnam and Japan. They almost got a good result. Although they lost, the Vietnamese team was very close to a good result. Tomorrow's match will be very difficult for the Iraqi team ."
The match between Vietnam and Iraq will take place at 6:30 p.m. on January 24.
Mai Phuong
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