U23s play best at Asian Cup, need to have more chance competing locally

Football 

Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn (centre) and players and staff tribute Vietnamese supporters after a match of ground round at the AFC U23 Asian Cup. Photos of VFF

HÀ NỘI -- Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn confirmed that the AFC Asian Cup's quarter-final finish showed exactly Việt Nam's current ability and he hoped the young players receive more time to play in local tournaments.

The national U23 team landed in Hà Nội on April 28, ending their campaign at last-eight round.

Tuấn said Việt Nam which were the youngest squad at the Doha competition played all the best with determination and solidarity.

"I think the quarter-finals was within their ability and strength. Every match, against Kuwait, Malaysia, Uzbekistan and Iraq, gave me a unique feeling and regrets, creating different emotions," Tuấn said.

"In the first matches when our playing style was not complete, there were many mistakes and technical errors.

"We encountered unnecessary bookings and I was quite sorry about some of the referees' decisions that led to the match ending unexpectedly. For example, Quan Văn Chuẩn's foul against the Iraqi player. If the referee was wise, it might not be a penalty against Việt Nam," he said. 

The spot kick was converted into the winning goal of the match that kicked Việt Nam out of the tournament.

"Anyway, I believe my players have improved a lot. Their playing spirit, fighting style and tactical mind are all shown well. I also saw them playing openly, beautifully and determinedly," he concluded.

The Asian Cup closed for Việt Nam and coach Tuấn also ended his mission with the team. The Việt Nam Football Federation will sign a contract with a new head coach before June and he will also take charge of the U23s.

Before leaving his post, Tuấn, however, still worried about the players' limited opportunity to sharpen their skills in the domestic leagues.

"Ninety per cent of the U23 players rarely compete in the V.League 1 and V.League 2. I have statistics on their minutes playing on the field. Goalkeeper Chuẩn played the most with about 600 minutes in his clubs' last seven matches while the others rarely played," Tuấn said.

"There were even players who, before joining my team, did not play a single minute for a month. That's something that makes me worry and hesitate a lot."

Tuấn analysed that: "We have potential players but they are not allowed to play at the leagues because each club have their own target and direction. We have to respect their decision.

"When players gather together for the SEA Games, regional and continental championships, they could have played only several matches per year. It is a big problem.

Hồ Văn Cường (left) in action during the match between Việt Nam and Malaysia at the AFC Asian Cup. 

"After the Iraq match, I told my players that each individual needed to figure out their advantage and disadvantage and clearly know their current situation. They must improve themselves and find a place in the club's starting line-up so that they can play regularly. That will decide their future."

Defender Hồ Văn Cường totally agreed with his coach.

"I didn't play well because I don't have good feeling with ball as needed, because I didn't have chance to play regularly. I was not confident with my ball handlers," said Cường who played three matches at the Asian Cup.

Before joining Tuấn's squad, Cường only played 185 minutes in five matches coming on the field from the bench of Hà Nội Police. Previously, in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Cường played 1,700 minutes in 28 games.

"I wanted to help Việt Nam go as far as possible at the Cup. But the results were not as expected, and we all regretted about it," said Cường.

"In football, everyone might make mistakes. We are in the U23 group and not experienced enough for competitive tournaments. This competition would help us become more mature. Coach Tuấn also encouraged us to strive harder for the future." VNS