If I get good results, I might be called back to the national team.

In an interview with Targma, Cong Phuong shared about his days of training and playing on the field with his Yokohama FC teammates as well as his efforts to be called back to the national team.

HLV Troussier không triệu tập Công Phượng cho Asian Cup 2023. (Ảnh: Đỗ Minh Quân)

Cong Phuong always tries hard every day and in every training session. (Photo: Do Minh Quan)

Today is the last day at Nichinan training camp, how is it for Cong Phuong?

Everyone focused on getting fit in the early days of re-grouping to be in top physical shape for next season. I felt a little tired but everything went well. The new players also worked hard to integrate into the team.

Yokohama FC just had a friendly match on January 19, what do you think about the team's performance?

It was a tough game but I felt the team played well.

Are you arranged to play as a striker?

Last season I was mainly used as a defensive midfielder but I am an attacking player. So I think I can bring out my potential.

In both training and competition, do you have a proactive attitude?

Because I had to play far from goal, I didn't do much last season. The best I could do was create and score goals. The closer I played to goal, the more I showed my strengths. I wanted to play in the attacking position. That's why I tried my best in training.

He is sharing a room with Solomon Sakuragawa. How do the two of them communicate?

He can speak English and is quite a funny player. So we always have a good laugh.

Do you watch Asian Cup 2023?

I always follow the Vietnam team. This year, we brought a fairly young squad to the tournament. When facing Japan, the whole team played their best and showed their strength. Then, despite a commendable match against Indonesia, we still lost. That made the team receive criticism from the public.

This year you turned 29. What are your wishes when you turn 29, like returning to the Vietnam national team for example?

The reason I haven’t been in the Vietnam national team is because I haven’t played much at club level. If I play well and get good results, I can be called back to the national team. That’s why I try my best every day.

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