Midfielder Le Thanh Thuy and the LPB Ninh Binh women's volleyball team just won the runner-up position in the 2024 Asian Club Championship. What do you see as different when competing for the national team and club in the continental arena?
- I am lucky to have the opportunity to experience and compete in high-level tournaments. It is a great honor. Competing with the national team or the club makes me feel comfortable because I am used to competing in continental tournaments.
What factors contributed to LPB Ninh Binh's runner-up position in the recent tournament?
- Maybe it's because of mentality. We don't focus on whether we reach the final or not, but before the tournament, the coaching staff set a goal of reaching the top 4 and then step by step, trying to do our best in each match. Each player plays their best, follows the tactics set by the head coach, and tries to coordinate to get the best results against each opponent.
What does LPB Ninh Binh need to improve after the matches in the Asian tournament?
- Each team has its own strengths and weaknesses. For LPB Ninh Binh, after the 2024 Asian Club Championship, the coaching staff also had comments. Our weakness is that we did not start the game well. Coach Thai Thanh Tung reminded the team to practice, try to make sure that when entering the game, the players must coordinate, understand each other and be more connected.
After the tournaments with the team and club, what have you accumulated for yourself?
- When Vietnamese athletes compete with strong opponents, they will realize that they still have many shortcomings. For example, in the final match of the recent Asian Club Championship, my opponents were very strong Japanese girls, who coordinated smoothly and well. Whether we coordinated to block or attack, it was very difficult. After the match, I thought I needed to improve my personal techniques more, especially blocking.
How do you feel about the level of Vietnamese players compared to the region and continent?
Duc Giang Chemicals and LPB Ninh Binh are the representatives of Vietnam participating in the 2024 Asian Club Championship. The performance of the two teams also partly reflects the level of Vietnamese women's volleyball clubs. Experiencing and competing with stronger opponents helps Vietnamese players broaden their horizons, improve their technical foundation, and improve their quality.
How should Vietnamese volleyball clubs prepare to have the opportunity to compete internationally?
- Right from the domestic tournament, clubs need to try their best to compete for the highest position, thereby representing Vietnam to participate in the Asian Club Championship. Currently, many Vietnamese teams have created conditions for athletes to compete and train abroad. This helps players like us to compete and rub shoulders more with the top volleyball teams.
There is a view that when Vietnamese women's volleyball competes more internationally, the opportunity to go abroad will be greater. What is your opinion?
- This is also the desire and hope of many athletes. When Vietnamese players compete internationally, they will have the opportunity to be noticed and invited by other international teams. That is a good thing. I myself am the same.
Which country does Le Thanh Thuy want to go abroad to?
- Going abroad is not only my desire. If I have the chance, I want to compete in any country. When they recognize my ability, they will send me an invitation. My job now is to try my best when practicing and competing.
What are your strengths if you have the opportunity to go abroad?
- I am often recognized by coaches for my blocking and blocking tactics. I feel quite happy and perhaps that is what I am most confident about myself.
Preparing for the second phase of the national championship, how has LPB Ninh Binh prepared? What is the team's goal?
- After the Asian tournament, in October, the team will have a training plan in Thailand to prepare for the important stage of the national championship. I will try my best in my position to get the best results for the whole team. LPB Ninh Binh's goal is to successfully defend the championship.
