HLV Mai Đức Chung: 'I will step down'

Coach Mai Đức Chung affirmed that the Vietnamese women's national football team tried their best, but due to the opponent Japan being too strong, they had to accept a 0-4 loss and were eliminated from the Asian Cup 2026. He also announced he will step down after the tournament.

“It must be said that in Southeast Asia and across Asia, women's football has developed very strongly. In Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Philippines, and many teams have invested more and shown greater interest in women's football.

Additionally, countries in Asia such as Iran, Uzbekistan… are also focusing on developing women's football. AFC leadership is very concerned about promoting women's football in the region, elevating women's football to a new level,” Coach Mai Đức Chung began the press conference after the match.

Regarding the loss to the Japanese team, Coach Mai Đức Chung frankly acknowledged his responsibility, while affirming that winning/losing is normal in football.

“In sports, especially football, there are always wins and losses. As the head coach, I must take responsibility for the team's performance. When we lose, I must accept even more blame.

We sometimes face opponents of equal strength, sometimes stronger opponents. In football, that is normal. Everyone wants to win, but when we don't achieve it, we must accept it and continue to strive,” he said.

Coach Mai Đức Chung praised the fighting spirit of his players against a higher-level opponent. “The Japanese team has a very high level, ranking far above us. However, the Vietnamese players tried their utmost. Given what the athletes showed today, I think that is also very commendable.

In the previous match we expended much energy due to playing under hot weather. In the second half of this match, the players' physical condition declined, so the intensity of play was not as good as in the first half.

In the first half, we conceded a goal only after more than 20 minutes. But in the second half, when fitness dropped, the opponent exploited the central area and the wings heavily with wall passes and crosses inside, so we faced many difficulties keeping up.

We must continue to work and strive more, especially developing youth football. We need to strengthen football in schools, at training centers, and in localities. When the grassroots movement becomes stronger, the national team's performance can improve.”

At the press conference, Coach Mai Đức Chung also thanked the host country and the Vietnamese community for accompanying the team throughout the tournament. “On behalf of the Vietnamese women's national football team, I sincerely thank the fans and the people of Australia for warmly welcoming us during our time playing here.

Especially, thank you to the Vietnamese expatriates and Vietnamese people in Australia who always came to the stadium to support the team in recent matches. That is a great encouragement for us.”

When asked about his future after the tournament, Coach Mai Đức Chung stated he plans to step down after completing his duty, giving opportunity to the next generation. “After this tournament, I also will step down. I am very happy that soon someone will replace me to continue leading the Vietnamese women's national team.”

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See Results of the 2026 Women's Football Championship