Khuất Văn Khang: 'Xuân Son or Hoàng Hên must also compete for positions'

There is no favoritism or exceptions, midfielder Khuất Văn Khang asserts that anyone in the Vietnam national team must compete for their spot, even if they are naturalized players like Hoàng Hên and Xuân Son.

In an interview before the training session this afternoon, March 23, at the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Youth Training Center, Khuất Văn Khang stated: "Xuân Son or Hoàng Hên are certainly quality additions to the Vietnam national team, bringing fresh energy. But once in the national team, all players must compete and strive hard. Personally, I also have to put in great effort to perform well and compete within the Vietnam team.

The Vietnam national team's rise to 103rd in the world rankings provides a significant morale boost for the entire squad. I believe this is a joyful moment before the match against Bangladesh. The whole team will need to strive further to improve our FIFA ranking performance, and the most crucial thing remains winning each match.

Regarding the friendly match on March 26 against the Bangladesh national team, Văn Khang views it as an opportunity for players to showcase themselves after their club playing period: "This match is a chance for everyone to play wholeheartedly, demonstrate themselves for the head coach's assessment. No opponent is weak. The whole team needs to prepare well tactically and exert maximum effort during the match."

Up to today, the Vietnam national team still lacks full personnel as the group of players from Công An Hà Nội Club will only join the team tomorrow, March 24.

Currently, to maintain Xuân Son's physical condition, coach Kim Sang Sik still requires this forward to train separately on the afternoon of March 23.

The thigh muscle injury is not too severe, but there is a risk of worsening if Xuân Son returns hastily.

It is anticipated that Xuân Son may play in the match against the Malaysia national team on March 31 at Thiên Trường Stadium.

Also this afternoon, VFF President Trần Quốc Tuấn and Vice President Trần Anh Tú met and encouraged the Vietnam national team training to prepare for two matches during the FIFA Days in March 2026.

President Trần Quốc Tuấn acknowledged and highly praised the players' efforts during their recent V.League performances, which formed a positive professional foundation for the team in this training camp. Representing the VFF Standing Committee, President Trần Quốc Tuấn congratulated the Vietnam national team on officially securing a place in the 2027 Asian Cup Finals, following the Asian Football Confederation's final decision regarding Malaysia's violations in Group F.

Immediately ahead for the Vietnam national team are two matches during FIFA Days: a friendly against Bangladesh and the crucial match against Malaysia in the final Asian Cup 2027 qualifying round. President Trần Quốc Tuấn emphasized that these are not only matches of professional significance but also directly impact the goal of reaching the top 100 in the FIFA rankings, requiring the entire team to maintain high concentration and maximize their capabilities.

President Trần Quốc Tuấn affirmed that VFF will continue to provide all favorable conditions for the team's comprehensive preparation. Players are required to uphold professionalism, responsibility, comply with the coaching staff's plans, build an effective playing style aiming towards the important cumulative goals ahead, including the ASEAN Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup Finals, and further the World Cup qualifiers in the next cycle.