AFF Cup 2024 marked a historic milestone as Vietnam claimed the championship, with significant contributions from two key Korean assistants: Choi Won Kwon and Lee Won Jae. Their efforts not only enhanced Coach Kim Sang Sik’s strategies but also left a lasting impact on the team’s journey to victory.
Special Reasons for Top Korean Assistants Joining Vietnamese Football
Typically, inviting coaches with experience leading professional teams in Korea to assist in another footballing nation is challenging. However, the cases of Choi Won Kwon and Lee Won Jae are exceptions, thanks to their close relationships with Coach Kim Sang Sik and their shared strategic vision.
Mr. Choi Won Kwon (left) plays a crucial role in tactical support for Coach Kim Sang Sik.
Mr. Choi Won Kwon, former head coach of Daegu FC from 2022-2024, accepted the role of assistant to closely collaborate with Coach Kim Sang Sik. He is responsible for data collection, gameplay advice, and personnel management—similar to the role Mr. Lee Young Jin played under Coach Park Hang Seo. His deep understanding of Korean football and analytical expertise make him an indispensable right-hand man for Coach Kim.
Meanwhile, Mr. Lee Won Jae—one of the greatest goalkeepers in Korean football history—has significantly influenced the development of Vietnam’s defensive line. With 133 caps for the national team from 1994-2010 and experience at four World Cups, Mr. Lee is credited with the success of goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu at the 2024 AFF Cup.
Mr. Lee Won Jae, the legendary goalkeeper of Korean football.
Clear Marks in Historical Victory
The combination of professional expertise and long-standing friendship between the assistants and Coach Kim Sang Sik has created a formidable synergy for the Vietnamese team. Mr. Choi Won Kwon played a vital role in developing flexible tactics that enabled the team to adapt quickly to various opponents. Thanks to his detailed analyses and insightful recommendations, the team maintained consistent performance throughout the tournament.
Goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu made a strong impression due to the dedicated coaching of Mr. Lee Won Jae.
Notably, Mr. Lee Won Jae played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing young talent Nguyen Dinh Trieu. Initially, Trieu was not considered as promising as teammate Nguyen Filip, but under Mr. Lee’s guidance, he broke through to become the standout goalkeeper of the tournament. This underscores the importance of assistants in maximizing player potential.
Friendship and Sacrifice for Common Goals
Beyond their professional relationship, Coach Kim Sang Sik, Mr. Choi Won Kwon, and Mr. Lee Won Jae share a decades-long friendship. They faced challenges together during their time with the Korean national team at the 2007 Asian Cup, where they were disciplined for youthful mistakes. These experiences have strengthened their bonds and fueled their determination to overcome obstacles.
After Vietnam’s triumph, Coach Kim expressed deep gratitude: “When I first arrived, I didn’t know when I might be fired, but they trusted me and came to Vietnam. They sacrificed a lot.”
Conclusion
The presence of Assistant Coaches Choi Won Kwon and Lee Won Jae significantly contributed to Vietnam’s historic victory at the 2024 AFF Cup. Beyond their top-tier expertise, they inspired through teamwork and dedication. This serves as a valuable lesson for Vietnamese football in building high-quality coaching staff for future successes.
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