Pep-admirer Sysomvang wants to take Laos to World Cup one day

The 32-year-old wants to play "modern football" and is inspired immensely by Pep Guardiola's methods.

Laos, a small nation in southeastern Asia, has always had a strong bond with football, with the sport helping ease the tensions caused by political and economic instability.

Despite the existence of its national football association for about 72 years, Laos has never made an entrance into a major international competition, with their participation being restricted to regional tournaments such as the Southeast Asian Games and the AFF Suzuki Cup. 

But now, with a new visionary at the helm of the national team, there seems to be a positive and youthful ambition, as well as a clear vision.

After the departure of their former head coach Guglielmo Arena on 14 September, the Laos Football Federation made a bold decision of handing the reins of the national team to Kanlaya Sysomvang, a former Laos international, who was hired as the team’s interim coach.

Coaching philosophy

Sysomvang's coaching philosophy is a blend of attack and defence, inspired by modern football. The 32-year-old is very much inspired by the Spanish protagonist - Pep Guardiola, and says, “I like to watch the Premier League. I like Manchester City – my favourite coach is Pep Guardiola. His football is inspiring.”

Speaking about his aspirations with the national team, Sysomvang also said, “I have a big dream as a coach. I want to be the best. I want to contribute to my country's success as the head coach. I aim to develop our players into professionals who can play abroad, like in the Thai League, Vietnam League, and Cambodia League. I dream of supporting them to reach those heights. I want to see many Laotian players achieving this.”

Immediate challenge

Sysomvang’s start to his managerial career with the Laos national team, is by no means going to be an easy affair, as he takes on a huge challenge of getting the team past Nepal in the first round of the World Cup qualifiers. The game will be a two-legged tie, starting with an away day on 12th October in Kathmandu and then a second-leg back in Vientiane on the 17th.

Speaking on his team’s preparations ahead of the big game, Sysomvang said, “For our boys now, they have the confidence to qualify to the next round because they have experience from the U-23 competitions, including the AFF Championship and AFC.”

"So they have enough matches, and the remaining senior players also bring valuable experience to the squad, making us more confident about our chances," he added.

Reflecting on previous encounters with Nepal, Kanyala Sysomvang sees an opportunity for redemption. "We played two matches against them and lost, but it's a good opportunity for a rematch," he said with determination. "I think they can do it, they can fight, we can surprise them."

Managerial career 

Sysomvang’s managerial journey began with the Laos U-23 national team, where his recent success earned him the opportunity to guide the national team. "It's a good opportunity to prove myself, to learn everything, and to acquire all the skills needed to become a good coach, to be the best coach in Laos and in Asia," he said, outlining his vision.

Dream with the national team

Kanyala Sysomvang also revealed that his biggest dream is to see the Laos national team play on the global stage, and gain widespread recognition and appreciation.

"For me, the FIFA World Cup is the biggest tournament in the world. Everyone knows, everyone watches. For the players, everyone wants to play in it. At the finals," he emphasised. “With 48 teams, I hope Laos will be there. We want to see the atmosphere there and make history."

As a coach with a clear vision, Kanyala Sysomvang is determined to secure the reins full time and see his side through to the next round. If he can achieve that, it would certainly sow the seeds of one day fulfilling that ultimate dream of making it to the big show.