Despite injuries to Van Lam and Tai Loc, the Vietnam national team remains determined to defend their ASEAN Cup title.

Dang Van Lam, the goalkeeper, had a muscle strain and stayed at the hotel for rehabilitation, and the newly naturalized midfielder Nguyen Tai Loc also had to train separately. Nevertheless, the Vietnamese team is determined to retain the ASEAN Cup championship, beginning with the first game against Timor Leste on July 24.

According to the latest information, during the afternoon training session on July 22 in Chonburi, Thailand, the Vietnam national team did not have their strongest squad available.

While Dang Van Lam had a muscle issue and stayed at the hotel for recovery, midfielder Tai Loc, despite being on the field, had to train separately with the team's doctor, Tran Huy Tho, after the warm-up.

According to the medical team's assessment, both players have only minor issues and are expected to return to normal training in tomorrow's session.

The Vietnam team is entering the final stages of preparation before their opening match at the ASEAN Cup 2026. Sharing at this afternoon's training session, defender Xuan Manh affirmed that the whole team has prepared positively and is ready to aim for the goal of defending the title.

According to Xuan Manh, the past two weeks of training have brought many positive signs, as the team won all three friendly matches against Korean clubs before defeating Myanmar in a friendly. He considers this a favorable run-up for the whole team to enter the tournament with confidence.

However, the player said that the coaching staff and players are still seriously acknowledging the remaining limitations. After the friendly with Myanmar, the team held a meeting to analyze what they did well and what needs improvement, in order to learn lessons before the opening match.

In recent training sessions, the Vietnam team has focused on improving their defensive organization. According to Xuan Manh, the coaching staff has asked the players to enhance communication on the field, better coordinate in pressing situations, and provide cover behind. He also said that the next training plan will likely shift focus to attacking options.

Despite the absence of captain Do Duy Manh, Xuan Manh affirmed that the defense is still maintaining positive connections. He said that he and his teammates like Nhat Minh, Van Hau, and Thanh Chung always actively communicate during training to increase cohesion, aiming to build a solid defensive system and minimize goals conceded.

Regarding the first opponent, Timor Leste, Xuan Manh said the team has not spent much time analyzing them. According to him, the priority now is still to perfect the playing style and tactical plans of the Vietnam team itself before studying the opponent in detail.

As a member of the team that won the ASEAN Cup 2024, Xuan Manh admitted that continuing to be part of the journey to defend the crown brings many special emotions.

"Being able to defend the championship with the team is a great pride. The whole team is very excited and ready to give their all. We will strive to overcome all difficulties to protect what we have achieved," Xuan Manh shared.

Speaking about the pressure of being the defending champions, the defender said that defending a title is always much more difficult than winning it for the first time, especially as regional teams are getting stronger and more balanced in strength.

"We understand the difficulties ahead, but when we enter the tournament, the whole team will always give their best, unite, support each other, and aim to successfully defend the championship," Xuan Manh emphasized.