For the first time after the Vietnamese team's defeat against Malaysia in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup, the representative of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) answered the media.
Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan - President of VFF said: "We have anticipated the difficulties when national teams in the region use many naturalized players. That is not a new trend. However, to do this, it is necessary to take the right steps, in line with the culture of each country.
The massive naturalization of players can help the national team become stronger at some point. However, as a result, the domestic tournament system could weaken and affect youth training, maintaining the identity of that national team.
Playing football requires patience. VFF will persevere with the football development guidelines from internal resources, calculate and supplement necessary factors. We need the same development for the national team and the professional club system. Vietnamese football needs sustainable development, preserving and promoting identity".
Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan emphasized: "The sustainable path to developing professional football must still come from the inner strength of football. It is based on youth football training, developing an increasingly professional national football tournament system.
That is the basis for building strong national teams. naturalization, according to the viewpoint of VFF leaders and the sports industry, is definitely just a piece of the national team".
The sharing of VFF leaders was present at the Southeast Asian football forum - ASEAN Football. Many fans support the viewpoint and patience to develop the foundation of Vietnamese football.
On the Fanpage, account Rifai commented: "This is the right step. How to move forward, Vietnam! It is time to make a comeback against Malaysia. The match between Vietnam and Malaysia will be the most anticipated and exciting confrontation! ".
Account Rusty Nail shares the same opinion: "completely agree. Look at the lesson from Singapore a decade ago with the policy of using young talents to naturalize. They have won many consecutive AFF Cup titles, but in the end, their country's football has weakened. Local players lost the motivation to strive and develop, leading to a comprehensive decline.
We must be steadfast in the path of developing young players. We may lose a few matches, but as long as the players fight their best for national pride and for the fans, the fans will always accompany the team".
A fan named Muhd Khalis said: "Wishing the Vietnamese team all the best. Hopefully, the Malaysian national championship will continue to produce domestic talent, not just depend on naturalized or underground players".
Thomas Bang fans support VFF: "Great strategy! It may not help the team become stronger immediately like Malaysia or Indonesia, but it is very good for the long-term goal.
The most important thing is that I think Vietnam always puts national pride first. That is admirable. I hope Thailand will also take that path".
