Vietnam's quest for World Cup qualification hit a major roadblock on Tuesday, not only with a crushing 3-0 defeat to Indonesia but also with the subsequent dismissal of head coach Philippe Troussier. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) announced the Frenchman's departure just hours after the demoralizing loss at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi.
Troussier's tenure, which began in February 2023, was marred by a string of disappointing results. Vietnam managed only four victories in 11 matches under his leadership, raising questions about his tactical approach and ability to inspire the team. The nadir arrived with the back-to-back losses against Indonesia, a team Vietnam has traditionally dominated.
Disgruntled fans voiced their disapproval throughout the qualifiers, with chants and banners calling for Troussier's removal becoming a common sight at matches. The VFF, initially expressing confidence in the coach, ultimately succumbed to the pressure of mounting fan discontent and the team's abysmal performance.
While acknowledging Troussier's contributions to Vietnamese football development initiatives, the VFF statement emphasized the need for a change in direction. "The VFF recognizes the efforts made by Mr. Troussier during his time with the national team," the statement read. "However, after careful consideration and based on the recent results in the World Cup qualifiers, both parties have agreed to terminate the contract."
Troussier's dismissal leaves a cloud of uncertainty hanging over Vietnam's World Cup aspirations. The team currently sits at the bottom of their qualifying group with a slim chance of progressing to the next stage. The VFF is yet to announce a replacement, but the search for a new coach who can galvanize the squad and revive their World Cup hopes is sure to begin promptly.
The task ahead for Vietnam's new manager will be a daunting one. Rebuilding fan confidence, rectifying the team's defensive frailties, and igniting an attacking spark will all be crucial in their quest for a return to the form that saw them become a regional powerhouse in recent years.