Coach Philippe Troussier talks with players during a training session in March in Hanoi. (Photo courtesy of VFF) Hanoi (VNA) — Vietnam seeks to win a gold medal in football atthe 32nd SEA Games while head coach Philippe Troussier said his team will beready after the men's football draw was held on April 5 in Phnom Penh.
Defending champions Vietnam are placed in Group B with Thailand,Malaysia, Singapore and Laos.
“Personally, I am not surprised with the draw result. Our coachingboard has predicted and prepared for all situations," said Troussier.
"All ASEAN teams are familiar with Việt Nam as we often meetin regional tournaments. I respect all four squads in Group B and will work oneach match to have the best result.
"Whatever the draw result is and who are our rivals, we willstep in the tournament as reigning champion and our target is to defend ourplace."
The Frenchman said when his team is back for training, they willfocus on fixing problems and strengthening weaknesses that were revealed in Vietnam'spoor results at the recent Doha Cup.
"Matches in Qatar gave us valuable experience as playersfaced quality rivals who were at a higher level. I believe that they would nothave this experience if playing locally," Troussier said.
Troussier, when signing his contract with the Vietnam FootballFederation (VFF), was asked to lead Vietnam to the SEA Games final.
However, after the April 5 draw, his task has lifted up todefending the title.
"VFF has anticipated difficulties for the team at the 32ndSEA Games. We have prepared and given all the best for them towards the Games,"said VFF General Secretary Duong Nghiep Khoi.
"The recent Doha Cup's result was not good, but likeTroussier said, it was a good lesson for both coaches and players inpreparation for the SEA Games. We trust him. He will have suitable plans fordifferent rivals at the Games. We all confirmed to do all the best to completethe mission."
Men's football will kick off on April 29, six days before theGames' opening ceremony.
The two best teams of each group will advance to the semi-finalson May 13, and the final will be held on May 16./.
