Coach Mai Đức Chung: 'Vietnam National Team has nothing to fear from the Philippines and Myanmar'

Coach Mai Đức Chung offered important remarks at the Vietnam National Team's initial practice before SEA Games 33.

On the afternoon of October 21, the Vietnam women's team held their first training at the VFF Youth Football Training Center, preparing for SEA Games 33. As previously announced, players from the Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club could not join this camp due to their commitments in the 2025/26 AFC Women's Club Championship.

Regarding the squad, the Vietnam women's team had all players present on the first day of training. However, three players—Thai Thi Thao, Duong Thi Van, and Ngan Thi Van Su—were still unable to train with the team due to minor injuries: "Today, they did light training, but I believe they will be able to fully rejoin the team in about a week,"Coach Mai Đức Chung began his response.

In this gathering, the Vietnam women's team called up several promising young talents such as Thanh Hieu, Nhat Lan, and Hoang Van. Regarding this group, Coach Mai Đức Chung expressed high expectations: “I have great hopes. After watching their matches in the national women's league, I see they have potential and good spirit. I hope they quickly integrate with the senior players.”

A few days ago, the draw placed Vietnam women's team in Group B alongside Myanmar, the Philippines, and Malaysia. This group is considered the "group of death" since both the Philippines and Myanmar are strong contenders for the championship. Nevertheless, according to Coach Mai Đức Chung, the entire team is not intimidated by this.

"Before this tournament, we had chances to compete against many strong teams such as France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and even the Australian youth team. We have also faced Myanmar and the Philippines before. From those matches, the team gained valuable experience. I told the players to treat the Philippines and Myanmar as normal opponents, nothing to be afraid of. Sometimes, they might even feel nervous facing us."

"Vietnamese players may be shorter and have some physical limitations, but we have a strong fighting spirit along with endurance. That is a strength we must develop. To perform well, I instructed the team on two things: to train their fitness and apply intense pressing. If we can do that, opponents will find it difficult to show their strength,” Coach Mai Đức Chung further explained.

The Vietnam team will train in Hanoi until November 20, then will have a training camp in Japan, including several matches against Japanese clubs. After the trip, Coach Mai Đức Chung’s team will return to Ho Chi Minh City a few days before departing for Thailand. According to the 74-year-old strategist, Ho Chi Minh City’s climate is similar to Bangkok’s, making it easier for the team to adapt.

Some photos from the Vietnam women's team training session