Former coach Mai Duc Chung unexpectedly mentioned in the training session of the Vietnam women's national team

In a briefing on the 2026 ASIAD preparations, head coach Hoang Van Phuc surprisingly brought up former coach Mai Duc Chung, simultaneously disclosing the new tactical philosophy and operational approach of the women's team.

During the preparation process for the 2026 Asian Games, coach Hoang Van Phuc unexpectedly mentioned his predecessor Mai Duc Chung while sharing about the changes being implemented in the Vietnam women's team. The new manager shows great respect for the legacy left by his predecessor, while also revealing the new philosophy being built for the team.

Coach Hoang Van Phuc admitted Coach Mai Duc Chung possesses extensive experience and impressive achievements in Vietnamese women's football: "Brother Chung has too much experience and achievements in women's football."

According to coach Hoang Van Phuc, taking over the Vietnam women's national team is a considerable challenge because he only moved from men's football to working with women's football about a year and a half ago. Therefore, the coach chooses a cautious approach, inheriting the foundations that were previously built while gradually creating his own imprint: "I myself have only switched from men's football for a year and a half. I am very glad that the players' training spirit is very confident."

The most notable point lies in the new playing philosophy. Coach Hoang Van Phuc stated that the coaching staff is aiming to build a team that emphasizes collectivity, being more proactive in both ball possession and defensive organization.

Accordingly, the Vietnam women's team will not only focus on defending when facing strong opponents. When in possession, the players are required to actively control and organize attacks. Conversely, when losing the ball, defensive tasks must start immediately from the front line.

This is a requirement that demands synchronized coordination between lines. Forwards are no longer just waiting for scoring opportunities but must actively apply pressure, while the players behind also need to maintain distance and support each other.

A positive signal for coach Hoang Van Phuc is that his players are adapting quite quickly. The coach particularly appreciates the spirit of the young players. He also believes that the young talents are absorbing the new tactical requirements relatively quickly. This is seen as an important signal in the generational transition of the Vietnam women's national team.

Ahead, coach Hoang Van Phuc has only about one month to perfect the squad and help the whole team operate smoothly with the new philosophy before the 2026 Asian Games: "Hopefully, with one month's time, the girls will grasp it and achieve favorable results at the upcoming Asian Games."

The fact that Coach Hoang Van Phuc mentioned his predecessor Mai Duc Chung shows that he still highly values the foundation of his predecessor. However, the Vietnam women's national team is also gradually transitioning to a new approach, with the expectation of creating a different appearance on the continental stage.