Grujic: Laos will not carry the burden of the past

By its very nature, the launch of a new tournament brings about both a sense of excitement and one of stepping into the unknown. For Laos, the upcoming inaugural edition of the FIFA ASEAN Cup™ also presents an opportunity to start afresh after recent disappointment.

At the recently concluded Hyundai Cup, Laos suffered four straight defeats to finish bottom of their group. But as coach Vladica Grujic told FIFA, that is not a true representation of the nation’s qualities.

“For us, the FIFA ASEAN Cup is a huge opportunity to improve on our performance from the Hyundai Cup, to show character and prove that this is not the real face of the national team.

“We will approach every match with maximum focus and a real hunger to prove ourselves. We are working intensively on our game model and transitions in order to be ready for all the tactics of our rivals.

“Of course, with new tournaments there is always a special energy and uncertainty. The fact that no-one knows what to expect until the end means that everyone starts from the same point.”

Laos will feature in Division 2 of the ASEAN Cup, where they have been grouped with co-hosts Hong Kong, China and Brunei Darussalam. With two matches in the space of four days and only the top nation progressing to the final, there is little margin for error. That is a challenge that Grujic, who is expected to bring a youthful squad to Hong Kong, is embracing.

“It is clear that Hong Kong will have the advantage of playing at home, while Brunei is always a difficult opponent. Yes, the schedule is condensed, but there are no easy groups or ideal conditions in such competitions. The first game, against Brunei, is our absolute priority, then we can switch our focus to Hong Kong.

“With a youthful squad that brings energy, aggressiveness and a desire to prove ourselves, and that is our greatest strength. Our goal in the tournament is not only to gain experience, but also to build a winning mentality.

“Any young player who wears the Laos shirt must know that there are no excuses at this level. I expect us to show discipline, quick transitions and a real hunger for victory in both games. I want to make it clear that we are entering this tournament to compete and advance, not just to participate.”

One other element that Laos will bring to the tournament is the passionate backing of a fanbase desperate for success. Meeting the expectations of those supporters is something that drives the 63-year-old coach to ensure that the nation will be competitive not just at the ASEAN Cup, but also going forward.

“When you see young kids playing, or the energy in the stands when the national team plays, you realise how much football brings people together here. For us as a team, that support is everything. It’s not just extra motivation — it’s a responsibility.

“Every time we step onto the pitch, we know we are representing the heart and passion of the Lao people, and our goal is to make them proud through our fight, determination, and character.

“The 2030 World Cup is far away on the horizon, but our immediate target must be to raise the general standard of football in Laos. In this cycle, I want us to build a team that is tactically disciplined, physically powerful in transition and mentally ready to compete with everyone in the region and beyond.

“We do not run away from the fact that the results at the Hyundai Cup were not at the level we want, but we do not come to the ASEAN Cup with the burden of the past, but with lessons learned and clear ideas to fix it.”

Appointed earlier this year, Grujic brings vast experience in both European and Asian football, including stints as an assistant coach at three different Japanese club sides, as well as spells in Thailand and India.

That wealth of knowledge has given the Serbian coach a genuine belief that Laos are not far off catching up to likes of Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and other regional heavyweights.

“There's a reason those teams have been at the top for years — they've invested in infrastructure and continuity. The leaders of the region still have an advantage in resources, but intensity, discipline and character decide things on the field.

“Year after year, I see how the so-called 'smaller' countries are working smarter, progressing faster and closing the gap. No one in this region can win on name alone anymore — and we're coming to this tournament to try and prove it.”

Images courtesy of the Lao Football Federation and the AFC