Thanh Chung: Malaysia has many naturalized players, respects the other team but is ready to confront

Thành Chung - Ảnh 1. — Center back Thanh Chung answers questions before training session in Malaysia - Photo: HAI HOANG

On the afternoon of June 7, the Vietnamese team had its second training session in Kuala Lumpur to prepare for the important match against host Malaysia in the second match of Group F of the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup taking place on June 10.

Unlike the first training session at SIME Darby FC stadium which had poor training conditions, this afternoon's training session took place at UM Arena stadium which had better quality.

Before the training session, central defender Nguyen Thanh Chung gave an interview to the press. Admitting that the whole team was quite tired on the first day in Malaysia, the number one central defender of the Vietnamese team said that the team's spirit is currently very good.

"Yesterday the field was not very good so the teachers also adjusted the volume and exercises to be relatively light so that the players can gradually get used to it," he said.

Talking about his preparation for the naturalized Malaysian players, Thanh Chung shared: "My teammates and I also watched Malaysia's match videos. They have many new players that we have never faced before.

I think if any player plays in the starting lineup, they will be mentally comfortable, and we all give our opponents a certain amount of respect."

Thành Chung - Ảnh 2. — Thanh Chung practices in Malaysia on the afternoon of June 7 - Photo: HAI HOANG

When asked "Who do you think is the most notable player on the Malaysian side?", Thanh Chung did not name any specific players but was cautious. "There are many naturalized Malaysian players. We don't know which players will be the main players yet, so I respect all the players."

Although he had to practice separately in the first days of the team meeting and is not yet at 100% physical condition, Thanh Chung affirmed that he is maintaining the highest level of readiness.

"During a long period of continuous competition without any rest, my physical condition is not yet 100%. But my spirit is always 100%," he said.

Talking about the integration of new faces such as Vietnamese-American defender Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, striker Quoc Viet or central defender Pham Ly Duc, Thanh Chung said there are not many obstacles.

"In my opinion, you are also players who have fought in the V-League and have a lot of experience. I don't see any difficulties in integrating with the Vietnam team," he added.

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NGUYEN KHOI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/thanh-chung-malaysia-nhieu-cau-thu-nhap-tich-ton-trong-doi-ban-nhung-san-sang-doi-dau-20250607191333362.htm