Cong Phuong 'gently reminds' coach Kim Sang-sik

" Not just me, every Vietnamese player wants to contribute to the national team," said striker Nguyen Cong Phuong. The last time this player participated in the Vietnamese team was September 2024. He is not on the list of participants in the AFF Cup 2024.

Cong Phuong added: " Before, I was also on the Vietnam national team. After returning home, I played in the First Division. I had to try harder and show myself more. When the team was promoted to V.League, it was easier ."

After an unsuccessful time in Japan, Cong Phuong returned to Vietnam to play for Binh Phuoc Club in the First Division. Since returning to Vietnam, Cong Phuong has gradually regained his form. He has scored 5 goals and assisted 3 goals for his teammates in all competitions.

However, Cong Phuong is still absent from the AFF Cup 2024 as coach Kim Sang-sik assessed that he is still not physically fit enough to participate in international tournaments. The Korean coach's assessment has a basis.

Nguyen Cong Phuong wants to return to the Vietnam national team.

At that time, Nguyen Cong Phuong started scoring again but played at a low intensity, unable to maintain his physical strength throughout the match. Coach Nguyen Anh Duc himself also said that his student needed more matches to regain his best form.

This is the result of two seasons in which Cong Phuong did not play regularly in Japan. He only played a few matches with a total playing time of less than 90 minutes. Despite practicing hard, Cong Phuong himself could hardly maintain the desired physical condition.

" I have played and scored in Vietnam before. As an attacking player, I have to try to develop myself and contribute to the team's achievements. Scoring or assisting is my responsibility. I have to help the team. Not only me, my teammates all try.

My life in Japan was only a year and a half, so not much changed when I returned to Vietnam. When I returned home, I felt more comfortable with my family and friends, while in Japan I only had my wife and children. Sometimes, my husband and I had to try to adapt to life there, " Cong Phuong added.

For now, Nguyen Cong Phuong is still absent from the Vietnamese national team during the training session in March 2025. He suffered a thigh injury and will have to rest for nearly 2 more months.

Mai Phuong

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cong-phuong-nhac-kheo-hlv-kim-sang-sik-ar926321.html