Vietnam U19 team holds first training session with Japanese coach

Vietnam U19 team actively trains, Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi emphasizes the goal of squad assessment.

On March 17 afternoon, the Vietnam U19 national team continued their training session at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center, aiming for the 2026 Southeast Asian U19 Championship and the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Before the training session, head coach Yutaka Ikeuchi held a media briefing, sharing his initial evaluations and the professional direction for this training camp. The Japanese tactician stated that after more than a year working in Vietnam, he is particularly impressed by the competitive spirit, enthusiasm, and desire to perform among the young players. According to Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi, this is a crucial foundation for the players to continue developing and improving their skills in a high-level football environment.

Regarding the objectives of this training camp, Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi said the coaching staff has closely coordinated with the team's technical department to formulate a suitable plan. The main focus of this gathering is to observe as many potential players as possible, especially those who have not had many opportunities to be called up previously, thereby expanding the talent pool for the national youth teams.

Additionally, improving physical fitness fundamentals is also given special attention, alongside implementing the football concepts and playing style the coaching staff aims to build for the U19 squad.

Regarding selection criteria, Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi stressed priority for new players or those monitored during the recent national U19 league to gain more direct evaluation opportunities. "This training camp is not only for preparation but also a comprehensive selection and squad assessment process," Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi said.

According to the plan, the Vietnam U19 team's training camp will last about two weeks and be divided into two phases. In the first week, the coaching staff will focus on evaluation, subsequently trimming the squad list. In the following week, the team will be supplemented with additional players to enhance competitiveness and continue refining the core squad.

During the March 17 afternoon training session, the players maintained a serious training attitude, actively completing the tasks set by the coaching staff. With clear direction and healthy internal competition, the Vietnam U19 team is gradually building a foundation for important upcoming objectives.

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