"Elevating the current generation of young players is only part of the task; the core lies in consistently focusing on and investing in youth training," Coach Hoàng Văn Phúc passionately shared his thoughts on Vietnamese football.
Coach Hoàng Văn Phúc noted: "From recent successes at the youth level, Vietnamese football has gained valuable experience. Only systematic, long-term strategic investment can lay a solid foundation for the strong development of youth football in Vietnam, contributing real strength for the national team to achieve higher results in regional and continental competitions in the future.
Vietnamese youth football needs to restructure its foundation, re-establish development models both professionally and within schools and grassroots movements. In youth training, we must gather social resources and have more collaboration from businesses to upgrade facilities and management capabilities. Youth training requires skilled management and technical personnel for players to improve."
* Recently, the Vietnam U23 team has continuously participated in quality tournaments; what are your impressions of the current young players?
- Looking at the U23 Vietnam team's performances in recent competitions, I believe this generation still has potential talents. The key issue is how to turn these potentials into real talents, which is crucial.
The quality of players in the current U23 squad is not poor; they still have qualities to develop further. Moreover, there are potential players within the age group yet to be discovered. From my perspective, this U23 group includes genuinely capable players who fully have the potential to join the national team soon.
* It seems that going through many tournaments helps young players become more solid and mature?
- Just this year, these young players have participated in many important and high-quality tournaments, from the CFA Team 2025 Four Nations Tournament in China, the Southeast Asian U23 Championship final round, the 2026 AFC U23 qualifiers, to SEA Games 33 at the end of the year. Playing frequently allows players to refine skills, gain experience, and mature. This is extremely important as players accumulate practical match experience. This is the most effective way for young players.
The future development of this generation depends not only on Coach Kim Sang Sik but also on clubs. If young players demonstrate professional qualities, coaches should give them regular playing time in the V-League. The players themselves must seize every opportunity to prove themselves, as this is the only way to secure a stable future and a chance to play for the national team.
* Hence, would you say the biggest task and pressure in youth football is how many quality players are trained for the national teams?
- For youth football, it’s not just about achievements but the effectiveness of the entire process. Over recent years, Vietnam’s U17, U19, and U20 teams have all participated in Asian Championship finals. Clearly, our youth teams have been present at quality continental youth tournaments. Additionally, young Vietnamese players have competed in ASIAD, Asian Cup, ASEAN Cup, and SEA Games. Every generation of players has gone through a process from U17, U19 to U20 teams.
Coach Hoàng Văn Phúc believes the current U23 team has many players capable of joining the national team soon. Photo: Hoàng Linh
These players, having experienced many quality tournaments, gain very valuable experience. I think our youth football has achieved results and built a foundation, and positive, optimistic signals remain visible.
Therefore, the biggest task and pressure is how many good players can be developed for the national teams to serve key goals, not just about immediate achievements. To do this, we must be patient with young players. We need to carry out youth training systematically and persistently, from local levels to the VFF. When the foundation is solid, all levels of Vietnam’s national teams will surely strengthen.
* Building a high-quality next generation for Vietnamese football in the near future is always an urgent issue. How do you see this aspect based on the current youth players?
- It’s clear that the message conveyed by Coach Kim Sang Sik and his team is that we have prepared well for SEA Games 33 and made the right decisions in building the national team for the near future.
Both the U23 and senior national teams need many quality options for upcoming tasks. Vietnam must have a squad with depth and strong continuity. This can only be achieved by serious preparation for the future starting now.
To realize the goal of reaching the final round of the 2030 World Cup qualifiers according to the football development plan, the current Vietnam U23 team needs deeper investment. This generation will take on national team responsibilities in the future and must show development and progress in upcoming tournaments
* Regarding the current look of the Vietnam U23 team, how do you view the target of winning the SEA Games 33 gold medal?
- Considering the circumstances and youth football development in the region, we can be confident about the upcoming SEA Games goal. Although not exceptionally outstanding, the current U23 Vietnam squad can still be seen as a "reserve" for the near-future World Cup target, with the immediate aim of winning the SEA Games 33 gold medal.
It’s evident that the VFF and Coach Kim Sang Sik have a detailed specific plan for 2025. Together with the quality players as demonstrated, Vietnamese youth football promises a year full of impressive achievements. In other words, U23 Vietnam serves as a "strategic backup" for the national team in the future.
* Thank you very much for the conversation!
Vietnamese football needs to restructure the youth training system and organize tournaments to meet international standards. Community and school football should have better institutions to develop. Moreover, there needs to be more comprehensive cooperation with advanced football nations to receive assistance and technology transfer in training. The entire football system must be resolute and strong in its steps forward.
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