Van Thanh: 'There is no pressure to win the Cup to bid farewell to Coach Park'

Coach Park Hang-seo did not renew his contract, so the AFF Cup 2022 is the last tournament he leads the Vietnam team. The Korean military leader once expressed concern that his upcoming retirement will affect the players' psychology. However, Van Thanh said this did not happen.

"The fact that the AFF Cup 2022 is Mr. Park's last tournament does not affect the team's mentality. We are not heavy," Van Thanh said before the second training session in Vientiane this afternoon on December 18. "Talking to the whole team, Coach Park said don't because this is his last tournament that puts a lot of weight on achievements. I hope the players keep playing in the most comfortable way, not to be psychologically."

Coach Park signed a contract with VFF at the end of 2017. He opened the most successful period in Vietnamese football history when he finished second at the 2018 Asian U23 Championship, won the 2018 AFF Cup, won the gold medal at the 2019 and 2021 SEA Games. .

At the AFF Cup 2022, Vietnam will play host Laos on the opening day of December 21. Although the team has never lost to this opponent, Van Thanh is still cautious. He said: "The first match in every tournament is always difficult. For the best results, the coaching staff has specific strategies and for the team to practice and prepare well. We will continue to analyze the situation. tomorrow".

According to Van Thanh, the most dangerous on the Laos side is striker Billy Ketkeophomphone. This player was born in 1990 in France, used to play for many clubs here such as Strasbourg, Angers, Auxerre... Billy is 1m80 tall, summoned to the Laos team in 2021 to kick the AFF Cup 2020 (postponed for one year due to Covid- 19). 19), and debuted in the 0-3 loss to Vietnam.

"Billy has the best expertise in the Laos team, is the most dangerous player. This player is tall, strong in the air," Van Thanh said about the opponent.

At the AFF Cup 2022, Van Thanh will have to compete fiercely with Ho Tan Tai for the position of right-back. However, mature players from HAGL will only try to show their best, and the choice of who to use, suitable for each match, each opponent is decided by Coach Park.

The match between Laos and Vietnam will take place at 19:30 on December 21.