Vietnam vs Hong Kong: visitors downplay Philippe Troussier factor as they build towards Asian Cup
- Away side’s coach Jorn Andersen insists Hong Kong must play ‘offensive, aggressive football’ as they test themselves against higher-ranked opposition
- Troussier, making his first appearance in the Vietnam dugout, says his new charges will face ‘a very motivated team’
Hong Kong coach Jorn Andersen will look to shut out the home fans’ excitement over Philippe Troussier’s debut at the helm of Vietnam as his team continue to sharpen their focus on next year’s Asian Cup.
Thursday’s meeting at Lach Tray Stadium in Haiphong will be the Frenchman’s first in charge of the hosts since replacing the hugely successful and adored Park Hang-seo and the 68-year-old’s arrival presents an additional challenge for Andersen.
But while the fervour locally is building over the start of the Troussier era, Andersen is keeping his eyes trained on his own side’s continued development.
“Of course I know him, he has big experience,” Andersen said of the well-travelled Troussier, who led Japan to the Asian Cup title in 2000 and the knockout rounds of the 2002 World Cup. “He was a head coach in Asia, Africa and Europe and he’s a good coach.
“We don’t know how he will manage the team, which tactics we are expecting, but we hope we will be more focused on our own game. Mr Troussier has his way to play and we will try to find a way to play against his tactics.”
