Coach Diego Giustozzi stated that this training camp is crucial not only for SEA Games 33 but also for preparing for the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup finals.
According to the Argentine strategist, the national team is undergoing a youth regeneration process, thus requiring highly competitive matches like those at the SEA Games for players to gain experience, improve their skills, and enhance their competitive spirit.
Coach Diego Giustozzi trusts the strength of the Vietnam futsal team (Photo: VFF).
“We have two objectives for this preparation period. First is to focus on SEA Games 33, and second is to prepare for the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup. I have a dream and believe that this young generation can aim for the next World Cup,” said coach Diego Giustozzi.
Given the team’s difficulty in finding international friendly matches before the tournament, the Argentine coach believes the entire squad will still adapt. He sees this as a challenge but not a barrier: “Our last match was two months ago. Life sometimes presents obstacles, but the coaching staff will find ways to overcome them.
The entire team is now completely different from when I first arrived here. Previously, we always struggled, but now the team knows how to play to dominate weaker opponents. The results and the team’s performance in the recent AFC qualifiers are proof. We are gradually closing the gap with top Asian teams like Thailand, Iran, and Japan.”
Coach Diego Giustozzi also expressed confidence in the current squad. He stated that the 17 summoned players are all suitable choices for the philosophy he is building. “The testing and screening phase is over. All players present this time meet the tactical requirements.
The Vietnam futsal team trains in Ho Chi Minh City, preparing for SEA Games 33 (Photo: VFF).
I am very happy to have two more young players in this training camp. It’s truly a headache to have to choose only 14 players for SEA Games 33,” the Argentine strategist shared.
According to the SEA Games 33 schedule, the Vietnam futsal team must play 4 consecutive matches in 4 days. Coach Diego Giustozzi emphasized that the intense schedule makes every match a decisive one. “With the round-robin format, every upcoming match is a final, with no room for error. The opening match against Malaysia is the most important, as they are improving very quickly and are nearing our level. The team must focus maximally on each game.”
Acknowledging the expectation of winning a SEA Games 33 gold medal as pressure but also motivation, Coach Diego Giustozzi affirmed that the entire team is ready to face the challenge and aim for a new milestone.
He stressed: “At the national team level, pressure is always present. But this is also an opportunity for Vietnam futsal to win its first title. We have played well against Thailand and Indonesia, so there’s no reason not to aim for this goal.”
