Coach Troussier and the tactical revolution: How is Vietnam U23 changing?

When Philippe Troussier officially took over the hot seat of the Vietnam U23 team, many fans wondered whether he could inherit the legacy of Park Hang-seo. After more than 6 months in charge, tactical imprints have gradually emerged, and it can be affirmed that Troussier is building a completely different style of play. No longer the disciplined defensive counter-attacking football, Vietnam U23 under Troussier plays possession football, high pressing, and flexible formation rotation. But is this change truly suitable for Vietnamese football? Let's analyze. In the recent friendly match against Tajikistan U23, Vietnam U23 possessed 68% of the ball, made 15 shots compared to 4 of the opponent. This is an impressive number compared to the Park Hang-seo era, when the team usually only had less than 50% possession and relied on quick counterattacks. However, the score was only 1-0, and the goal came from a set piece. This shows that Troussier is still struggling with finishing. Young players like Nguyen Dinh Bac or Bui Vi Hao appeared quite confused when facing massed defenses. Controlling the ball a lot but not creating many dangerous chances is a problem that needs to be solved. A source from the coaching staff said that Troussier is asking the forwards to practice more off-ball movement and one-touch finishing. Looking at the team structure, Troussier prefers a flexible 3-4-3 formation. When attacking, two full-backs push up to become midfielders, forming a 5-man block on the attack. When defending, the formation switches to a tight 5-4-1. Compared to the usual 3-4-3, the difference is that Troussier requires the central midfielder to be able to hold the ball and make long passes well. In this position, Nguyen Thai Son has emerged as an important link. In the match against Tajikistan, Thai Son had 72 passes, achieving 91% accuracy, including 8 long passes over the line. But Thai Son's weakness is stamina: he often drops off around the 70th minute, causing the midfield to lose connection. In terms of personnel, Troussier is heavily rejuvenating the squad. He called up to 10 U20 players to train with the U23 team. This creates huge competition, but also carries risks in terms of international experience. A young player like Le Nguyen Hoang, only 18 years old, started as the central striker. Despite good technique, his ability to handle pressure and make decisions in the box is still raw. If compared to Park Hang-seo's generation like Nguyen Quang Hai or Nguyen Cong Phuong at the same age, Le Nguyen Hoang is still far behind in terms of cunning. Financially, changing the coaching philosophy also incurs certain costs. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has invested more in data analysis equipment, GPS fitness monitors, and hired a French fitness expert. The operational cost of the U23 team increased by about 30% compared to the Park era. But looking at the long-term goal, this is a necessary investment. Besides, V-League clubs are also beginning to feel the impact: many teams like Ha Noi FC, Viettel have sent people to France to study Troussier's youth training model. This is a positive signal for the Vietnamese football ecosystem. However, Troussier is facing a paradox: he wants to play possession football, but Vietnamese players rarely get to handle the ball in official club matches. In the V-League, most teams still play defensive counter-attacking. When called up to the national team, players have to completely change their playing mindset. This leads to passing errors, especially in the defensive third. In a recent training match against PVF, Vietnam U23 lost the ball right in front of their own penalty area and almost conceded. Troussier later had to yell: 'You have to be more confident, don't be afraid to lose the ball!' - a controversial statement as it goes against the fear of making mistakes common among Vietnamese players. Looking ahead, Vietnam U23 will participate in the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia. This is the first real test for the 'Troussier machine'. Opponents like Thailand, Indonesia all have good physical and tactical foundations. If Vietnam U23 still struggles with finishing and easily loses the ball in their own half, the chance to defend the gold medal is very low. But if the players adapt, this will be the foundation for a new golden generation of Vietnamese football. In summary, Troussier's revolution needs time. The positive signs have appeared, but success or failure will depend on whether the players can shed their old habits. And as Troussier once said: 'Vietnamese football needs courage, not only on the pitch but also in thinking.' Let's see if the young men dare to step out of their comfort zone to create a new Vietnam.