Coach Kim Sang Sik: 'Laos is stronger than before'

Coach Kim Sang Sik at the press conference before the match against Laos - Photo: NK

The press conference before the Vietnam - Laos match in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup took place at Go Dau Stadium (Binh Duong) on ​​the afternoon of March 24.

"The match tomorrow night (March 25) is the first match of the Vietnamese team in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. As it is the opening match at home, the whole team is well prepared. Hopefully the home team will score many goals and give fans an exciting match," coach Kim Sang Sik shared.

Responding to media questions about allowing the Vietnamese team to practice behind closed doors on March 23, coach Kim Sang Sik said: "This is to comply with the regulations of the Organizing Committee as well as ensure professional factors."

Talking about grading his players in preparation for the match against Laos, Coach Kim Sang Sik said: "My players, including Tien Linh sitting here, are still following the tactics set out by the coaching staff very well. To grade them, I would give them 90 points on a scale of 100."

"This is an official match in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, so we need to overcome both physical and mental challenges to hope to advance to the finals. If the team makes progress in these two aspects, we will have a good performance in the tournament," the Korean coach emphasized.

Evaluating the opponent, coach Kim Sang Sik said: "Based on the analysis of the match between Laos and Sri Lanka, compared to the ASEAN Cup 2024, Laos has added 3 Lao players. I have informed this to the players to help the whole team prepare.

Laos is stronger than before. Therefore, we are not subjective but pay close attention to tomorrow's match."

Striker Tien Linh speaks at a press conference before the match against Laos - Photo: NK

Tien Linh is trusted by coach Kim Sang Sik

Answering the question about the Vietnamese team's poor performance without naturalized striker Xuan Son due to injury, coach Kim Sang Sik said: "Xuan Son is recovering well, everyone hopes Son will return soon. In tomorrow's match, Tien Linh will replace Xuan Son's role. I always believe in him."

For his part, striker Nguyen Tien Linh shared: The Vietnamese team is showing very good spirit before entering the opening match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. There are no easy matches in this tournament.

We are preparing the best we can in the hope of having a good opening match. I hope the Vietnamese team will have a victory to give to the fans - who are eagerly waiting for our performance at Binh Duong Stadium."

Talking about his health condition when there was information that he had a knee injury relapse during the training session, Tien Linh shared: "Currently, my health is very good, reaching 100% physical strength. The fact that the Vietnamese team has just won the ASEAN Cup 2024 is the motivation for the whole team to play better for tomorrow's opening match.

The whole team just had a friendly match with Cambodia to test our skills and the result was quite good. Currently, everyone is full of desire to contribute and good spirit for the long journey ahead. Playing at home in Binh Duong is the motivation for me to score many goals for the Vietnam team."

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hlv-kim-sang-sik-lao-manh-hon-so-voi-truoc-day-20250324162029625.htm