Vietnam’s coach Park Hang-seo takes his squad to Korea Republic for a two-week training camp tomorrow as he prepares for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018.

And at a press conference on Monday at the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) headquarters ― which overlooks My Dinh National Stadium, scene of so many great matches in the tournament ― he was happy to reveal has no major injury concerns.

“Some players have a few knocks but we can work on those in Korea,” said the Korean, who was assistant to Guus Hiddink at the FIFA World Cup 2002, when Korea Republic reached the semi-finals.

“We are going there to work on further building our team spirit, and organisation, on and off the pitch.”

His talented side are one of the favourites to win what is the 12th staging of the AFF Suzuki Cup, which kicks off on November 8. Vietnam play their opening match that day, away to Laos in Group A.

Vietnam’s legion of passionate football fans have dubbed him the “Wizard” following some outstanding performances since taking the helm of both the senior and U-23 teams in 2017.

His U-23 team made history recently by reaching the semi-final of the Asian Games for the first time.

In January, he led the U-23 team to the final match of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-23 Championship. That was a first for a Southeast Asian country to qualify for the final in that tournament.

Vietnam were defeated in both those matches but based on those performances they appear be on the threshold of a major victory in the future.

And Park helped the national team qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2019 with an unbeaten record in Group C.

Vietnam claimed the AFF Suzuki Cup in 2008 and reached the semi-finals two years ago, and hopes are high they make the final in December.

“Our fans have been fantastic and although we are under pressure to perform well, the fan support is helping to inspire us and drive us forward,” said 59-year-old Park.

Vietnam have been drawn alongside Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos in Group A, and Park believes the Malaysians will be one of their toughest opponents in the group stage.

“We have sent experts to watch a lot of their players in their league. They have some great players,” he added.

Although he feels time has been short to prepare his squad for the AFF Suzuki Cup, he is excited about the opportunity to enter a tournament with no age limit and can draw on a squad with plenty of experience.

And when asked what his football philosophy is, he simply said: “Victory!”

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