Ex-V.League star embraces pressure as U16 Vietnam head coach

Hanoi, May 13, 2025 – Cristiano Roland, a former V.League foreign player with Hanoi FC, began his tenure as U16 Vietnam head coach with a training camp on May 12 at the VFF Youth Football Training Centre, preparing for the CFA Team China U16 International Tournament in Hohhot, China, from May 28 to June 1, 2025. The Brazilian, who led U17 Vietnam to the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, is tasked with shaping a new generation for the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers, per VFF announcements.

Roland, 48, expressed pride in his role: “Hanoi FC and VFF have entrusted me with this responsibility. Pressure is part of football, and it fuels my dedication to Vietnam’s young talents.” His stint with Hanoi FC (2003-2008), where he won three V.League titles, and coaching U17 Hanoi FC in 2025, per VSN, give him deep ties to Vietnam’s football ecosystem, akin to Hanoi Police FC’s regional influence.

The 30-player U16 squad, including several 2009-born players Roland coached at U17 level, showed promise in early sessions, per Lao Dong. “Results matter, but instilling spirit and style is key,” Roland said. “This new group needs time, but their work ethic and physicality are encouraging.” His method—hard work, confidence-building, and rapid assessments—mirrors The Cong Viettel’s youth development, aiming to foster adaptability and fight.

Vietnam’s U16s will train daily in Hanoi until May 23, then face Australia, Saudi Arabia, and China in Hohhot, a crucial warm-up for the 2026 AFC U-17 qualifiers, per VietnamNet. These matches, hosted in a 5,000-capacity venue rivaling Nam Dinh FC’s Thien Truong, offer vital experience against top youth sides, per VFF. Roland’s 4-2-3-1, tested in U17 Vietnam’s 3-2 friendly win over Uzbekistan in 2024, emphasizes quick transitions, echoing Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s attacking flair.

Roland’s focus on mental resilience and tactical growth, per DtiNews, aligns with Song Lam Nghe An’s youth ethos, preparing players like Nguyen Van Son for bigger stages. The China tournament, with Australia’s physicality and China’s technical depth, per AFC youth rankings, will test Vietnam’s readiness. A strong showing could boost their 2026 qualifier seeding, mirroring Hanoi FC’s V.League consistency, as Roland aims to build a squad capable of challenging Asia’s elite and securing a 2027 FIFA U-17 World Cup berth, fueled by Ho Chi Minh City FC-like fan passion.