Coach Kim Sang Sik appeared radiant and proud after guiding Vietnam to win the AFF Cup 2024. This achievement marks an important milestone in his career, resulting from relentless effort.
Coach Kim Sang Sik shares his thoughts on winning the AFF Cup 2024
Historic Achievement and Unrelenting Effort
The victory at the AFF Cup 2024 is not only a source of pride for Coach Kim Sang Sik but also a testament to the entire Vietnamese team. He shared, “This is the result of everyone’s hard work—from players, coaching staff, fans, and leaders. I still can’t believe we did it.”
Before the tournament, the South Korean coach prepared meticulously while emphasizing the importance of adaptability for progress. He stated, “I analyzed many factors and constantly reminded the players that improvement was necessary or we would fail.”
Controversial Goal and Overcoming Adversity
Supachok’s controversial goal in the second leg final became a hot topic in the media. When asked about his emotions at the time, Coach Kim Sang Sik was candid: “It was an unexpected goal that shouldn’t have happened. We faced significant challenges when Xuan Son got injured, but the players overcame adversity with determination and national pride.”
He described the AFF Cup 2024 journey as an emotional rollercoaster, filled with moments of happiness and intense stress.
Special Affection from Fans
Coach Kim Sang Sik expressed surprise at the love and support from Vietnamese fans. He recounted, “From children to the elderly, everyone recognized me. Taxi drivers refused payment, and coffee shops waived my bills. They said I worked hard and sent their congratulations.”
Not only Vietnamese people but also the Korean community in Vietnam offered heartfelt encouragement, deeply touching the coach.
Evaluation of Players’ Physical and Mental Strength
According to Coach Kim Sang Sik, Vietnamese players have excellent physical foundations and high adaptability. He noted, “Even under Korea’s rigorous training programs, they kept up. During the training camp in Korea, despite cold weather, no player caught a cold. They are much stronger than I expected.”
Aiming for the 2030 World Cup
Looking ahead, Coach Kim Sang Sik aims to qualify Vietnam for the 2030 World Cup. He emphasized, “We need to continue developing youth training systems and actively naturalize suitable foreign players. With relentless effort, our dream of participating in the World Cup can become reality.”
Conclusion
The victory at the AFF Cup 2024 not only showcases Coach Kim Sang Sik’s talent but also reflects the unity and determination of the entire Vietnamese team. Let’s look forward to more advancements in Vietnamese football under this talented strategist’s leadership.
Source: Dan Tri