Midfielder Thanh Son: “Vietnam'U22s have no fear against any opponents in SEA Games”

Vietnam U22s have no fear against any rivals at the upcoming 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the Philippines later this month, affirmed midfielder Tran Thanh Son.

Thanh Son (far left) comfortable during a training session with his teammates as Vietnam U22s prepare for the upcoming 30th SEA Games. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)
Thanh Son (far left) comfortable during a training session with his teammates as Vietnam U22s prepare for the upcoming 30th SEA Games. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)

In response to the reporters before his training session on Monday afternoon (Nov. 4), the Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC’s player said that he did not have any pressure before the SEA Games, confirming that he was always ready to play for Vietnam U22s, despite difficulties from many sides.

"I do not feel any pressure. I just try to train well to be named in the final squad to compete in the next SEA Games," Son expressed his comfort when talking about the upcoming biennial multi-sport event in the Philippines, as reported on the Vietnam Football Federation’s website.

"My seniors in Hoang Anh Gia Lai gave me advice to work hard and show my best during training, so that the coaching staff can give their fairest evaluation."

At the 30th SEA Games, all the teams must play on artificial pitches with tight fixtures, posing a risk that players will experience injuries when they have to play under such conditions. However, Son proved to be comfortable and said he was always ready to play under any circumstances.

Midfielder Tran Thanh Son during an interview with the press before his training session on November 4, 2019. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)

"We mainly practice on natural grass and have limited access to artificial turf. A hard surface makes it difficult for the whole team to adapt. However, any difficulties must be overcome. Vietnam U22s must fight against any opponents and we are not afraid of any teams," the 21-year-old midfielder said.

As coach Park Hang-seo is only allowed to bring 20 players to the Philippines, the competition at Vietnam U22s, especially in the middle, will be extremely fierce as the Korean strategist can add two players at over 22 years old for the midfielder position.

Talking about this, Son expressed comfort: "I do not consider it a pressure but a motivation to show myself more to the coaching staff."

On Tuesday afternoon, Vietnam U22s continued their training camp before having an internal friendly match with their seniors in the national team a day later. On November 18, the whole team will move to Ho Chi Minh City after a friendly against Myanmar U22s. The team will stay there before leaving for the Philippines to participate in the 30th SEA Games on November 22.