The Hanoi U17 team has won the championship at the National U17 2024 tournament. This is also the first time in history that the capital team has won the U17 championship.
Coach Cristiano Roland, can you share the secret that helped the Hanoi U17 team win the National U17 championship for the first time?
- My goal from the day I took over the team was to reach the finals and become champions. We had 11 months to prepare and train hard for this tournament. The most important thing is that the players understand my coaching style, the way I convey it so that they have the desire to become champions.
When we achieved this result, both the coaching staff and the players celebrated. But we must keep our feet on the ground and immediately prepare for the next journey ahead.
Objectively, how do you evaluate the quality of the Hanoi U17 players?
- I don't think there's anything too special about the Hanoi U17 squad because we built a united team where players support and help each other. We set the goal that each match is a final, and the whole team achieved it.
The most important thing is the attitude in competition. On the field, the players trust themselves, trust the tactics, and maintain a strong mentality that I have tried to convey. The streak of 6 consecutive wins to claim the championship is the result of them maintaining a solid competitive mindset.
After the National U17 championship, what is the next goal you want to conquer?
- After the tournament, we will have a meeting with the Board of Directors and the club's leadership to outline the next steps in a reasonable sequence. Additionally, we will also welcome new people, new factors from other clubs joining Hanoi U17.
We will have more quality players and gradually achieve the set goals.
Do you think about taking on a higher position in the U19, U21, or Hanoi FC first team?
- When I returned to Vietnam from Portugal, I was ready to take on any position at Hanoi FC, whether it be U17, U19, U21, or the first team. However, I must follow the schedule set by the leadership.
The club has opened the door and given me the opportunity to showcase my abilities. Only by going through many matches can I do my job well. Therefore, I will continue my work according to the previously outlined plan. However, if there is an opportunity to work with the first team, it would be great.
I am originally from Brazil, but I have played, worked, and studied for a football degree in Portugal. Currently, there are also many famous coaches in the world who are Portuguese. I think this combination helps me convey the maximum to the players, and we have achieved initial success.
In your opinion, should we create opportunities for 15-16-year-old players of Hanoi FC in particular and Vietnamese football in general to challenge themselves abroad? Or, can we send players to Brazil or Portugal for about 2-3 months to motivate them?
- Connecting with international clubs and sending players to Brazil or Portugal is very good. We know that Portugal is a small country, but at the age of U16, U17, players have about 45 to 50 official matches in a season. This is one of the important factors for them to have many matches, hone their skills, and improve their competitive mentality.
However, I need to emphasize that in any environment, we must prioritize practical competition. Players must actually play football to develop and progress. Therefore, if players cannot ensure practical competition abroad, the domestic environment is also a suitable choice.
And importantly, they need to play a lot. For example, in the last season, the Hanoi youth team played 16 official matches. Additionally, we also need friendly matches abroad, such as the tournament in China last year.
