Argentina's Head Coach Speaks Honestly About Vietnam's 2025 Ballon d'Or

Head Coach Diego Giustozzi is very pleased with the return of Ballon d'Or winner Châu Đoàn Phát to the Vietnam futsal team.

During preparations for the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship, the Vietnam futsal team held two high-quality internal matches against Afghanistan’s futsal team in Ho Chi Minh City. Through these encounters, Head Coach Diego Giustozzi highly values the technical merits of these “tests”, and also pointed out specific requirements regarding fitness, experience, and competitive spirit that the team must continue to improve before entering the continental tournament.

Regarding the return of two wingers Trần Thái Huy and Châu Đoàn Phát after injury, Coach Diego Giustozzi expressed satisfaction that the players have been able to play and are gradually regaining their match sharpness.

“I’m very happy they got the necessary playing time. Thái Huy surprised me; although not at his peak form, he played very confidently without any fear. Đoàn Phát needs more time, but I noticed clear progress from the first to the second match. Step by step, we need them ready to compete in the upcoming AFC Championship.”

According to the plan, the Vietnam futsal team will depart for Indonesia on January 24 to participate in the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship. Before departure, Head Coach Diego Giustozzi will finalize the official squad of 14 players.

In the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship, Vietnam is placed in Group B alongside strong opponents including the reigning Asian runner-up Thailand, Kuwait, and Lebanon. This group is highly competitive, requiring Coach Diego Giustozzi’s team to prepare thoroughly in terms of fitness, tactics, and mental toughness to achieve their goals.

During preparations for the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship, the Vietnam futsal team is training intensively at the Chánh Hưng futsal club in Ho Chi Minh City. Coach Diego Giustozzi said that compared to SEA Games 33, the team has important reinforcements as the experienced trio of wingers Ngô Ngọc Sơn, Châu Đoàn Phát, and Trần Thái Huy have recovered from injuries and rejoined training with the team.