Coach Troussier: 'Vietnam still has the right to decide before the match with Indonesia'

HANOI - Coach Philippe Troussier affirmed that he has prepared carefully to defeat Indonesia at My Dinh, regain second place in Group F as well as the opportunity to continue in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

"Vietnam still maintains the same goal, which is to achieve the best result to enter the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup. After tomorrow's match with Indonesia, we have two more matches (against Iraq and the Philippines). In the current context of Group F, Vietnam still holds the initiative and self-determination. We have no doubt about the final goal we have set," coach Troussier said at a press conference on the afternoon of March 25, before the match at My Dinh Stadium.

The French coach considers playing two home matches out of the remaining three matches in the qualifying round a great advantage, hoping to receive support from a large audience. He affirmed that the team is aware of its responsibility and duty towards the fans as well as the national team. "Of course, setting goals is one thing, the important thing is that the players have to show on the field. The result does not come from the goals set and dreams. It comes from what the players show on the field," he said, calling on the players to follow the tactics, be strong in disputes, be wise and handle things correctly, in addition to the issue of discipline.

Coach Philippe Troussier was interviewed before the Vietnam - Indonesia match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Photo: Lam Thoa

Indonesia is a double nightmare for coach Troussier. The French coach first faced the archipelago nation at the 2004 Asian Cup, when he was in charge of Qatar. His team was highly rated at that time but unexpectedly "fell off the horse" 1-2, causing him to pay with his own seat. After 20 years, the risk of Troussier being fired again because of Indonesia is present. The trust that Vietnamese fans have in him is running out as the team has suffered three consecutive losses to this opponent in the semi-finals of the SAE Games 2023, the group stage of the Asian Cup 2024 and the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The latest defeat, at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on March 21, saw Vietnam lose second place to Indonesia. Troussier’s team has just three points after three matches, one point behind their direct rivals and six behind leaders Iraq. If they fail to win the rematch at My Dinh tomorrow, Vietnam’s chances of reaching the third qualifying round are effectively closed. This means Troussier could be fired, as his contract clearly stipulates that he must take the team to the next round of World Cup qualifiers.

Before the crucial match with Indonesia, Coach Troussier said he had analyzed and speculated about Indonesia's approach to play. According to him, the away team could defend and counterattack or launch a surprise attack. But no matter which option, Vietnam must be ready to face it. "No matter which personnel are used, we must try our best until the last second. Our goal is to have no regrets after the match ends," the 68-year-old strategist emphasized.

In this match, Vietnam will have the return of Khuat Van Khang, a player who was suspended in the first leg due to receiving a red card at the 2024 Asian Cup. He will likely be in the starting lineup because he is on the list of young players favored by the French coach.

Regarding the anti-throw-in plan, Coach Troussier affirmed that everyone has prepared to deal with it, and believes that this problem is not really serious. "I want the players not to waver, not to be afraid of Indonesia's throw-in situation," he said. "In the previous match, there was only one mistake. At the 2023 Asian Cup, we also faced many throw-in situations, but did not lose. In the last match, there was only one mistake, a personal mistake. I have prepared carefully. Tomorrow, if Arhan enters the field, we will control it better. Not only throw-ins but also other situations. We will try to control the situation."

After the first leg, coach Troussier said that the team gained many positive things despite the loss. He explained that Vietnam has a large squad of players with diverse individual skills, so there are many opportunities to adjust their tactics. According to the former coach of the Japanese national team, his players were all ready when they entered the field, and the reserve players also performed well. "There are 15-16 players ready to play tomorrow, along with three-four strategic reserve players. A tense match like this requires physical strength, so we must have adequate reserves and replacements. I believe the players are ready," he said.

Coach Troussier also said that in the past few days, he has observed the players' expressions, attitudes, eyes and lifestyle, so he is not worried about their spirit. He believes they are still full of desire. "I always want them to perform better on the field. I am the coach, giving directions and tactics. After a long working process, I know they understand me. I tell them to dare to take responsibility. On the field, I do not play for them. Success or failure comes from the players' decisions. In addition to following the tactics, the players must be aware of how to perform best. Only then will the results come."

Lam Thoa - Vnexpress.net

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