The French coach flew to his hometown on leave after the Vietnamese team’s recent 2023 AFC Asian Cup campaign. In Doha, Qatar, Vietnam conceded three group losses against Japan, Indonesia and Iraq, leaving the tournament empty handed.

Troussier came under fire in the public following the team’s poor showing, but the Vietnam Football Federation affirmed that they would still put trust in the French coach.

Vietnam are scheduled to play Indonesia in an away match on March 21, and the two teams will meet again in Hanoi in five days later. At the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, Vietnam lost 0-1 to Indonesia.

After two Group F matches, Vietnam finish second with 3 points, 2 points ahead of Indonesia. Two coming wins would give Vietnam the chance to advance to the next qualifying round.

VFF’s goal for coach Troussier is to reap success in the coming World Cup qualifiers, especially in the two matches in March, said Nguyen Xuan Vu, VFF vice president in charge of communications.

Troussier took the helm in early 2023 to succeed Korean coach Park Hang-seo, and his contract with VFF will last till the end of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

VOV