Vietnam National Team Partways with Coach Lee Won Jae After AFF Cup 2024

The Vietnam National Team has just achieved its goal of winning the AFF Cup 2024, and this journey would not have been possible without the contributions of goalkeeper coach Lee Won Jae. However, according to initial plans, the two-month short-term contract between the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and the South Korean strategist has officially concluded. Coach Lee will soon return home to pursue new endeavors.

Coach Lee Won Jae during a training session with the Vietnam National Team
Coach Lee Won Jae (right) in a training session with the Vietnam National Team (Photo: VFF).

Notable Biography of Coach Lee Won Jae

Lee Won Jae is a former prominent footballer from South Korea with an illustrious career. Over his 18 years with the South Korean national team, he played a total of 132 international matches, was named to the K-League All-Star team 10 times, and won numerous individual accolades. Notably, he is one of the few goalkeepers worldwide to have participated in four consecutive World Cups in 1994, 2002, 2006, and 2010.

His invaluable experience from his elite playing career has helped him develop a professional and effective coaching style. This is evident in the impressive performances of Vietnam’s goalkeepers at the AFF Cup 2024.

Significant Contributions at the AFF Cup 2024

At the recent Southeast Asian championship, Coach Lee Won Jae made significant improvements to Vietnam’s defense. He worked closely with head coach Kim Sang Sik to select the most suitable personnel. A key decision was made when Coach Lee and Coach Kim decided to trust Phạm Đình Triệu instead of Nguyễn Filip—a top-tier goalkeeper but with communication issues with the defense.

This decision proved highly effective. The Hải Phòng club’s goalkeeper shone brightly in his debut for the national team. Đình Triệu started all six matches at the AFF Cup 2024, kept clean sheets in three games, and played a crucial role in securing the championship. He also received the “Best Goalkeeper” award for the tournament.

Upcoming Journey for the Vietnam National Team

Following the AFF Cup 2024, the Vietnam National Team will prepare for the final round of Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. According to the schedule, the team will reconvene in March to face strong opponents in Group F, including Malaysia, Nepal, and Laos. The primary goal of Coach Kim Sang Sik and his team is to secure first place in the group to ensure qualification for the Asian Cup finals.

Currently, Coach Kim Sang Sik is on leave in South Korea and is expected to return to Vietnam before Tet. His return promises to bring continued success for the “Golden Star Warriors.”

A Meaningful Farewell

Parting ways with Coach Lee Won Jae marks an important stage in the development of the Vietnam National Team. Despite working for only two months, his contributions have left a lasting impression. Vietnamese fans will always remember the dedicated strategist who tirelessly shared his valuable experiences with the next generation of goalkeepers.

We wish Coach Lee Won Jae success in his future endeavors and hope that the cooperation between Vietnamese and South Korean football will continue to flourish.