Park Hang-seo: ‘U23 UAE is not different from ASIAD 2018’

The press conference of group D representatives in AFC U23 Championship 2020 finals.

Park Hang-seo expersses his honor to lead U23 Vietnam in this tournament: “This is such a great honor to lead U23 Vietnam in the AFC U23 Championship 2020 finals.”

Evaluating opponents, Park said that the teams own quality players. But that did not make him and his coaching staff change their goals:

"This is a difficult group against the top teams in the continent. Our goal is to qualify for the group stage. The first match against U23 UAE was important. Certainly the game will be very difficult. The whole team will do our best to get the best results in all the matches."

U23 Vietnam will have an opening match against U23 UAE on January 10. During the reign of Park, the two teams have faced each other many times. The first is the ASIAD 2018 bronze medal match in Indonesia. Vietnam Olympic team then lost to the opponent on penalties. It is still a memory that brings many lessons for the Korean coach.

"The first match was very difficult with U23 Vietnam against U23 UAE. This is a strong opponent and have continental class. That team, that coach won on penalty shootout two years ago. The two teams understand each other so it is more difficult to face. We need to overcome all pressures to do our best on the field, '' Mr. Park said.

'We know the UAE players well. The two teams have played friendly matches in Vietnam. The match tomorrow will be an opportunity for us to use the information. '

Besides, he also asserted that all decisions of U23 Vietnam are his: "I always listen to the advice from the domestic football experts but I make the final decision on what is in the teams,” he added.

According to the schedule, U23 Vietnam will play against U23 UAE at 5:15PM on Chang Arena Stadium, Buriram.