Coach Hoàng Văn Phúc: 'Mr. Kim Sang Sik is sifting through sand to find gold'

29/08/2025 06:56:00 TrophyTracker

The friendly matches against Nam Định and CAHN in the September camp will act as a chance for Coach Kim Sang Sik to renew the Vietnam national team.

Coach Hoàng Văn Phúc considers this an excellent opportunity to identify new players who can bring fresh colors to the Vietnam team for future international matches: "Looking at this list, Coach Kim Sang Sik is not undertaking a full ‘rebuild’ of the national team. This camp’s main objective is to review, check, and evaluate the squad in preparation for the next matches in the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled for October.

Some new players have been called up this time. Goalkeepers Nguyễn Văn Việt and Quan Văn Chuẩn have been given chances. Meanwhile, Đặng Văn Tới, Đinh Quang Kiệt, and Trần Hoàng Phúc are expected to be new defensive options. Phan Tuấn Tài has returned to join Triệu Việt Hưng to provide effective wing attacks. Lý Công Hoàng Anh is anticipated to add fresh creativity to the midfield’s attacking tactics, while Phạm Gia Hưng will have the opportunity to adapt to the national team’s pace alongside senior players.

The Korean coach has given opportunities to many new faces, but these players are still regarded as ‘potential’ and part of the future preparation. In other words, during the October camp when Vietnam returns for the final round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, the squad will very likely undergo many changes.

Of course, as he begins to ‘filter’ new talents, Coach Kim Sang Sik also hopes to discover exceptional players to refresh the playing style and aim for important upcoming goals."

Coach Hoàng Văn Phúc believes the Vietnam team needs new faces to bring fresh energy but also requires experienced players: "Veterans like Quang Hải, Hoàng Đức, Thành Chung, Duy Mạnh, and Tiến Linh are not only key professional pillars but will also play mentoring and connecting roles to help new call-ups quickly adapt to the football philosophy that Coach Kim is implementing. The experience of familiar players will aid newcomers and younger players in quickly integrating into the Vietnam national team.

Coach Kim Sang Sik’s approach shows that he does not close the door to the national team but rather opens it wide for everyone. Photo: Tuấn Phạm

We all hope that the harmonious blend of old and new players will bring fresh energy and a new playing style to the Vietnam team. Although this call-up list may not satisfy everyone, it reflects Coach Kim Sang Sik’s determination to refresh the team, or at least shows that the door to the national team is always open to all. Additionally, the personnel additions will create healthy competition so that every position remains ready and eager to perform.

Coach Kim Sang Sik has proven that Vietnamese football does not lack talented players and potential stars, especially in the V-League. What remains is the task of ‘sifting sand to find gold,’ requiring a truly dedicated and fair coach in selecting players.

There was a period when players performing well in the V-League had almost no chance to join the national team due to coaches sticking rigidly to fixed lineups. This somewhat discouraged those striving to prove themselves at club level but lacking national team opportunities. Fortunately, Coach Kim Sang Sik has brought a fresh breeze and inspiration to the V-League seasons through his ‘gold hunting.’

It is hoped that the V-League and First Division environments will ignite a burning desire to fight and contribute from both players and clubs, enabling Coach Kim Sang Sik and his staff to discover more new, high-quality talents.

It is clear that Coach Kim Sang Sik’s work is still very demanding, and he is constantly searching for new talents to help Vietnamese football compete more strongly on the Asian stage. The immediate challenge will be the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, followed by SEA Games 33 at the end of this year. Everything lies ahead."

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