Coach Kim Sang Sik Returns to Vietnam: New Steps Toward Asian Football Summit

On January 17, Coach Kim Sang Sik officially arrived in Hanoi to begin his recruitment journey for the Vietnamese national team. According to representatives from the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the South Korean strategist will spend time watching V-League matches to evaluate player performance and identify new talents.

Returning to Work After a Short Break

After attending the Cup of Victory Awards ceremony on January 10, Coach Kim Sang Sik returned to South Korea for a short vacation. This was the first time he had the opportunity to reunite with his family after a long period of dedication to the Vietnamese national team. “I haven’t seen my wife and children in 3-4 months, so I am looking forward to a family dinner,” the coach shared.

Coach Kim Sang Sik decided to return to Vietnam early to directly observe player performances in the V-League (Photo: Manh Quan).

Despite wanting to extend his break, Coach Kim Sang Sik understands that his responsibilities do not allow for delays. He emphasized the importance of being on the field to “test the waters” with players rather than relying solely on reports or video footage from assistants.

Recruitment Plans and Preparation for the 2027 Asian Cup

During this visit, Coach Kim Sang Sik plans to watch two rounds of V-League matches before taking a 10-day break for Tet. Additionally, the head coach revealed plans to bring his wife and children to Vietnam to experience the traditional Tet atmosphere.

2025 will be a challenging year for Coach Kim Sang Sik as he leads the Vietnamese national team through the final qualifying round for the 2027 Asian Cup and aims to reclaim the gold medal at the SEA Games in Thailand.

In the Asian Cup qualifiers, the Vietnamese national team will start with an “easier” match against Laos at home in March 2025. This provides an opportunity to test new faces. The subsequent opponents include Nepal and Malaysia, with the goal of securing the top spot in the group to secure the sole qualification spot for the finals.

The Vietnamese national team won the AFF Cup 2024, setting the stage for their continental football conquest (Photo: Huong Duong).

Faith and New Challenges

The AFF Cup 2024 is a memorable milestone in Coach Kim Sang Sik’s career. Initially, he aimed to reach the final, but ultimately led the Vietnamese national team to victory over Thailand in both legs, securing the championship. This achievement is unprecedented in Vietnamese football history, even under the leadership of Coach Park Hang Seo.

“The victory with Jeonbuk in Korea was wonderful, but the proudest moment of my life was winning the AFF Cup 2024 with the Vietnamese national team,” he affirmed.

However, Coach Kim Sang Sik does not rest on his laurels. He emphasized that achieving greater successes, such as advancing through the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers or winning the SEA Games 33 gold medal, requires further effort and meticulous preparation.

Conclusion

Coach Kim Sang Sik’s return to Vietnam immediately after a short break demonstrates his dedication and commitment to the future of Vietnamese football. With a well-planned recruitment strategy and clear objectives, the Vietnamese national team promises continued success in upcoming international tournaments. Let’s look forward to the new strides of the “Golden Stars Warriors” under the guidance of this talented strategist.

Vietnamese National Team Schedule for the Final Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers: