AFC Asian Cup: Coach Philippe Troussier eager to help further the Vietnam story

In 2015, Vietnam's men's national football team was 147th in the FIFA world rankings, only 25 places above its worst-ever 172nd ranking from 2006. In the last decade, however, Vietnam has taken remarkable strides in the sport. The women's national team qualified for the World Cup for the first time last year.

The men's side, on the other hand, made it to the third round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, the first time the team made it that far in the qualifying stages. Vietnamese teams have also been doing increasingly well in international youth competitions in recent years.

Philippe Troussier, the current head coach of the Vietnam men's national team, has witnessed and been part of the country's footballing transformation in recent years.

Troussier, who won the Asian Cup title with Japan in 2001 and has experience coaching in a wide range of countries across Africa and Asia, was previously technical director of the PVF Academy in Vietnam – one of only three academies in Asia to receive a three-star rating from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) – before taking charge of the national team.

In an interaction with CGTN ahead of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, Troussier said, "The rise of Vietnam in football, evidenced by the national team's success in the World Cup qualifiers and consistent strong performances by youth teams, can be attributed to a combination of several key factors."

Fostering a footballing culture

Chief among these factors, according to Troussier, have been investment in youth development, quality coaching and improved infrastructure, incorporation of sports science, nutrition and sports medicine into training programs, government support and the establishment of clear player pathways, allowing young talents to progress to higher levels. "Successes of Vietnamese national teams create a positive feedback loop," he added.

"By addressing these factors comprehensively, Vietnam has been able to foster a footballing culture that values development, professionalism and a winning mentality, contributing to the country's rise in football on both the regional and international stages," Troussier noted.

The PVF Academy, where Troussier served, is often credited as being one of the fulcrums of Vietnam's successful youth development program in recent years.

"The academy's success would likely have contributed to a positive shift in the football culture of Vietnam, emphasizing the importance of youth development and nurturing homegrown talent," Troussier said.

"The familiarity and cohesion developed during the players' time at the academy could prove valuable for the national team's success in international competitions like the AFC Asian Cup," he added.

'Tactical versatility key'

Talking about his objectives for the upcoming Asian Cup, Troussier said progressing from the group, which includes heavyweights Japan and Iraq as well as Southeast Asian rivals Indonesia, is the main priority alongside competitive displays against strong opponents.

In addition, the Frenchman said the tournament would allow him to provide younger players in his squad with valuable international exposure. 

"Beyond immediate tournament success, fostering the development of the squad and giving opportunities to emerging talents will contribute to long-term competitiveness," he noted.

Having lifted the title while with Japan earlier, Troussier listed tactical versatility and defensive solidity as among the key attributes needed for a team to succeed in a tournament like the Asian Cup.

"A team should be flexible enough to adjust its playing style according to the strengths and weaknesses of each opponent," he noted.

Placed in a tough group, Troussier acknowledged that none of the three opponents will be easy, terming Japan as a "formidable opponent," Iraq as one with a "robust style of play" and strong defensive organization, and Indonesia as a team possessing an element of "unpredictability."

With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams in 2026, Troussier said of Vietnam's chances, "Thorough preparation, strategic planning and effective utilization of resources will be crucial."

He said these would include improving the team's FIFA ranking to get better draws, monitoring the fitness of key players, being mentally tough and preparing for different kinds of qualification scenarios.

China's 'long-term vision'

A well-traveled coach, Troussier has also had the experience of coaching in China's domestic league in multiple stints. He said China's investment in youth development initiatives and infrastructure, as well as its ability to attract a global talent pool to its domestic league, will hold it in good stead in the long run.

"China has made substantial investments in football, focusing on the development of youth academies, grassroots programs and the enhancement of football infrastructure. This commitment demonstrates a long-term vision for the sport," he said.

"Continued commitment to this vision could contribute to China becoming a major force in international football in the future," he added.

"China's ability to attract top international talent to its domestic league contributes to raising the overall level of competition. This exposure to diverse playing styles and experiences could benefit Chinese players and contribute to the national team's growth," Troussier said.

Becoming a major power in international football, however, is a gradual process that requires sustained efforts across multiple fronts, he added.

"Success will depend on the continued implementation of effective strategies, investment and a focus on developing a strong footballing culture at all levels," Troussier stressed.

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