Coach Koji Gyotoku: 'Cambodia prioritizes defense against Vietnam'

Coach Koji Gyotoku affirmed that the Cambodian national team will prioritize defensive solidity during their away match at My Dinh Stadium, but remains ready to take advantage of counterattack opportunities to score against the Vietnamese national team.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Japanese coach stated that he is very excited to lead his players against the reigning ASEAN Championship champions. According to him, this is a valuable opportunity for Cambodian players to gain more experience in the regional arena.

Coach Koji Gyotoku also confirmed that Cambodia has allowed some players to return to their clubs, but assessed that the team's morale remains very positive after their performance against Timor Leste. He expects that for the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup, Cambodia will have their strongest full squad.

"It is true that we agreed to let some players return to their clubs. But we played well in the recent match against Timor Leste.

The atmosphere in the team is currently very good, and the whole squad is eager to prepare for the match against the Vietnamese national team at My Dinh Stadium.

Of course, we want to win, but there are some players who were not called up to the Cambodian national team this time.

Cambodia, like the Vietnamese national team, will also compete in the FIFA ASEAN Cup, and at that time, I hope the team will have its strongest full strength.

First, we will have to focus on our defensive duties, both in individual positions and in collective defense.

If there is an opportunity, I also want the team to have a chance to organize a counterattack and take advantage to score a goal."

Regarding tactics, the strategist emphasized: "First, we must focus on our defensive duties, from individual players to the collective system. If there is an opportunity, the team will organize counterattacks and try to score."

Meanwhile, defender Ouk Sovann admitted that Cambodia has no chance to advance further, but the team is still determined to make an impression against Vietnam. "We want to score against the Vietnamese national team," the player shared.

After three matchdays, Vietnam leads Group A with 7 points, level with Singapore but superior in goal difference (+10 compared to +3), while Indonesia is third with 6 points. Cambodia and Timor Leste have been officially eliminated before the final round.