Center back Do Duy Manh has been officially elected as captain of the Vietnamese team participating in the AFF Cup (new name ASEAN Cup) 2024, striker Nguyen Tien Linh and midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai are the two vice-captains.
During the training session on the afternoon of December 7 of the Vietnamese team in Laos, Duy Manh shared his first thoughts after being entrusted with the captain's armband.
"The whole team had a meeting to elect the executive committee. Quang Hai, Tien Linh, and I are very honored to be trusted by the coaching staff and teammates. It is a great responsibility for us to demonstrate our abilities, connect the coaching staff and the players. We try to play well on the field to bring victory to Vietnamese football," Duy Manh shared.
Do Duy Manh is one of the few members of the 2018 AFF Cup champion who is still in the Vietnam national team. The 1997-born midfielder hopes to repeat this feat in this year's tournament.
He said: "For me, spirituality is very important, it is also something for us to have faith. We hope that the AFF Cup 2024 will have things that coincide with 2018. In 2024, we will try to follow the path that the team did in 2018."
"This morning the whole team had a meeting, the coach showed us the playing philosophy, and watched videos of our opponents. Regional football is changing, and Vietnam's opponents are getting stronger in the group stage. We have to maintain our focus and try to play well to achieve the results we set out," Duy Manh added.
Regarding the integration of naturalized striker Nguyen Xuan Son, Duy Manh commented: "I saw Son open up from the first day he joined the team in Phu Tho. We felt the desire in Son. Son is trying every day to integrate as quickly as possible. All players support Son the best so that he can be comfortable, play at his best and bring victory to Vietnamese football.
Son is one of the top strikers, affirming his position as a top striker after 5 years playing in the V.League. Hopefully Son will have the best physical condition, bring the best form to contribute to the Vietnam National Team in the upcoming tournament.
The opening match of the 2024 AFF Cup between Vietnam and Laos will take place at 8:00 p.m. on December 9.
