Trung Kiên feels no pressure competing for the position with Văn Lâm and Lê Giang

Trần Trung Kiên affirmed he experiences no anxiety in the competition for the starting role with his two more experienced counterparts, Việt kiều goalkeepers Đặng Văn Lâm and Patrik Lê Giang.

In an interview before the afternoon training session on June 30 at the VFF’s Vietnam Youth Football Training Center, Trung Kiên said: "Within the team, Văn Lâm, Lê Giang, and I are very close, often chatting during meals. I feel fortunate to learn from them in the coming period. I will work hard to gain more experience and develop myself."

I believe the training camp in South Korea is very important—it serves as a foundation for the whole team to face opponents there, preparing us best for the tournament. This gathering differs from last year's AFF Cup. The current weather is quite hot and stuffy, making training somewhat difficult. However, I think the entire team is giving their utmost effort to adapt.

Personally, I have nothing to feel pressured about. Every time I step onto the field, I always give my all in training to show the coaching staff what I can do. Whoever gets to play is fine; what matters is that the Vietnam national team achieves good results at the upcoming ASEAN Cup."

Regarding newcomer Nguyễn Tài Lộc, Trung Kiên shared: "Currently, I see Tài Lộc integrating very well. He is only a new face to fans, not unfamiliar to players in Vietnam, so the adaptation has been smooth."

According to the plan, the Vietnam national team will train in Hanoi until the end of July 1 before departing for South Korea for a training camp from July 2 to July 14.

The Vietnam national team is expected to travel to South Korea with a full squad of 27 players, including those recovering from injuries such as Đỗ Duy Mạnh, Lê Ngọc Bảo, and Khuất Văn Khang.

During this period, coach Kim Sang Sik and his players will play three friendly matches to review the squad, evaluate player form, and finalize tactical plans before embarking on the journey to defend the ASEAN Cup 2026 title.