Coach Kim Sang-sik: 'Laos is stronger, Vietnam team should not be subjective'

Coach Kim Sang-sik is not subjective.

"Tomorrow's match is the first match of the Vietnamese team in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. We will meet Laos at home. Currently, the players and I have prepared well. We hope to score many goals and contribute to a good match," coach Kim Sang-sik shared at a press conference on the afternoon of March 24, 1 day before the match between the Vietnamese team and Laos, within the framework of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

The last time they met at the AFF Cup 2024, the Vietnamese team won 4-1. However, coach Kim Sang-sik was not complacent.

Coach Kim Sang-sik highly appreciates the Laos team

PHOTO: harmony

According to the Korean coach, Laos has added 3 naturalized players including center back Victor Ngovinassack (playing for Is-Selongey Football Club, France), midfielder Roman Angot (SV Linx Club, Germany) and striker Theo Klein (Omaha Mavericks Club, USA). Although Laos lost to Sri Lanka in a friendly match 5 days ago, Mr. Kim asked his players to focus on the match because the opponent has become stronger.

"Based on the analysis of the match between Laos and Sri Lanka, the Laos team has 3 more naturalized players. I have shared with the players to prepare. Laos is stronger with naturalized players. We are not subjective and must focus on preparing for tomorrow's match," said coach Kim Sang-sik.

Tien Linh replaces Xuan Son

The Vietnamese team defeated Cambodia 2-1 in a friendly match on the evening of March 19 at Binh Duong Stadium. In this match, striker Nguyen Tien Linh only played the second half, in the context of not fully recovering from injury.

Tien Linh suffered a relapse of the pain in the training session after the match, however, the 28-year-old striker was able to return for the important match.

"Xuan Son is recovering well. The players, coaching staff, and fans are always looking forward to his return. Tomorrow, Tien Linh will replace Xuan Son. I have great confidence in him," coach Kim Sang-sik emphasized.

Mr. Kim puts his trust in Tien Linh

PHOTO: Harmony

The Korean strategist also explained the reason for "closing the door" to the press at yesterday's training session (March 23), which was to ensure tactical factors.

"The work of reporters is regulated and calculated. We follow the regulations of the organizing committee to ensure professional factors," coach Kim Sang-sik assessed. "The players are following the tactics well, both in terms of strategy and training. If I were to give them a score, I think they would get 90 out of 100 points. This is an official qualifying match, they need to overcome physical and psychological challenges to move on. If we improve these factors, the Vietnamese team will be able to demonstrate their abilities and perform well."

Coach Kim Sang-sik also emphasized the importance of scoring to help the Vietnamese team win the match against Laos, as well as have an advantage on the journey to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.

"The important thing is that the Vietnamese team must pass the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. The first match is always very important. The match with Malaysia is the same, scoring many goals will help the team easily advance. The most important thing is still winning. Hopefully tomorrow, the players will score many goals right from the first half," coach Kim Sang-sik concluded.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-kim-sang-sik-lao-manh-hon-roi-doi-tuyen-viet-nam-dung-chu-quan-185250324170443678.htm