Honda aims to take Cambodia to greater heights

Honda’s first match as Cambodia’s team manager ended with a 3-1 loss to Malaysia in Monday’s friendly in Phnom Penh, but the Japanese star is unperturbed as he promises to uplift the standard of football in that country.

Honda said as a short-term measure, his players need to improve their fitness in order to do well at the AFF Cup in November.

“No footballer, including those from Brazil and Europe, can maintain a high intensity game throughout 90 minutes. What is important is that footballers need to know how to play well when they are tired,” said Honda at the Olympic Stadium on Monday.

“I also had the same problem in the past, but as footballers, we all need to overcome it. However, I am happy with the players as they managed to follow my instructions, although it was only about 90 per cent.”

The 32-year-old, who retired from international football after the recent World Cup, now plays in the A-League for Melbourne Victory.

Cambodia are in Group A in the AFF Cup with Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar.

“I have identified the team’s weaknesses, but for now, I will only talk on the positives. We played very well in the opening 40 minutes, but the players need to be consistent throughout 90 minutes.

“Every Cambodian footballer is hungry for success, and I am here to help them,” added Honda, who played in three World Cup editions (2010, 2014, 2018).

Honda signed a two-year contract in August as Cambodia’s team manager, but he mainly contributes in an online capacity due to his contractual obligations elsewhere.