On the afternoon of November 14, the Vietnam team had its final training session in Viet Tri (Phu Tho) before moving to Laos tomorrow morning (November 15), preparing for the match with the home team in the 2027 Asian Cup Final qualifiers. Before the training session, captain Do Duy Manh shared with the press about the spirit, preparation of the whole team and the positive atmosphere in the recent training days.
Evaluating the preparation process, Do Duy Manh said: "The current team atmosphere is very good. We have just gone through a tense period of competition in the V.League, but the coaching staff has made reasonable adjustments to help the players achieve the best form for the match against Laos. The whole team is highly focused and ready for the upcoming match.
When asked about the pressure to win convincingly, the No. 2 center back affirmed that the whole team always aims for the winning spirit but is not subjective. He emphasized: "If the ball has not rolled, it is not possible to predict anything, but the Vietnamese team always has the goal of winning. The players all practiced enthusiastically, strictly following the coach's tactics. Whoever is given the opportunity will try to perform at their best. If there is a big win, it will definitely be a joy for everyone, especially the fans.
One of the focuses of this training session is the return of striker Nguyen Xuan Son after nearly a year of absence due to injury. Sharing about his teammate, Duy Manh said: "Everyone knows Xuan Son's ability. He is a good striker, he has good scoring ability. Son and I often talk and encourage each other in practice. He is very professional and is showing great desire to contribute to the Vietnam national team.
The captain of the Vietnam team revealed more about the emotions of his teammates after his comeback: "Son shared that what he misses most is the feeling of being on the field. For a player, having to leave the pitch is a terrible thing. But in each training session, we clearly see that memory and determination expressed by Son through his tireless efforts.
Regarding the atmosphere in the team, Duy Manh said: "Not only me but all the brothers in the team are close and attached. The team representing Vietnam in international competitions is therefore aware of its responsibilities. We will try our best, follow the coaching staff's training plan and aim for victories".
According to the plan, on the morning of November 15, the Vietnam team will leave for Laos on a flight departing at 9:35. Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team will have four days of training in Laos before entering the match with the home team on November 19. In the first leg at Binh Duong Stadium, the Vietnam team won 5-0.
