AFC Champions League a stage for players to shine: HAGL coach

“Before ACL, the club owner Doan Nguyen Duc had told the players to see this as an opportunity to introduce themselves to foreign clubs. If they play well, they will have the chance to play football in other countries and improve their level for Vietnamese football,” Kiatisuk told a press conference Thursday.

Forward Nguyen Van Toan and right-back Vu Van Thanh are two of HAGL’s most prominent players after the first two fixtures. Thanh even made it to the team of the round after scoring for HAGL against Australian club Sydney FC on Tuesday.

“The players are always ready, but of course, they have to wait for the offers. I think a player like Van Toan should first play in a Southeast Asian or Asian league. That will have him accumulate more experience for the next stage of his career,” Kiatisuk said.

In the past, HAGL sent many of its players abroad like Nguyen Cong Phuong, Nguyen Tuan Anh and Luong Xuan Truong. However, they all failed to succeed and had to return to Vietnam.

After losing 1-2 to Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos, HAGL drew 1-1 against Sydney and will face South Korea’s Jeonbuk on Friday.

“I think Jeonbuk are the strongest team of the group so the game will be really difficult for HAGL. But we are also excited to play a big club from the K-League. HAGL have prepared carefully and are ready to face the next challenge,” Kiatisuk said.

HAGL are hots of group H and all their group stage games will be played in HCMC’s Thong Nhat Stadium.