Indonesian Press Praises Coach Kim Sang Sik

Just before SEA Games 33, Indonesian media widely mentioned Coach Kim Sang Sik, who carries the heavy responsibility of leading Vietnam U22 to reclaim the gold medal in men's football.

Reputable Newspaper Bola from Indonesia noted that the Korean coach is under “enormous pressure” as he faces the rising trend of naturalized players spreading across Southeast Asia.

According to a recent article, the Indonesian media believe Coach Kim Sang Sik is in a challenging position. While direct rivals like Indonesia, Malaysia, and even the Philippines have quality naturalized players, Vietnam U22 completely rejects this approach.

“Coach Kim Sang Sik admitted he faces significant pressure ahead of SEA Games 2025. He understands that replicating Park Hang Seo’s golden achievements is far from easy, especially as the region changes rapidly due to naturalization policies,” Bolawrote.

Also citing sources from Vietnam, the Indonesian paper quoted the Korean strategist as openly sharing: “I realize this is no easy challenge. Many teams in the region have progressed quickly thanks to naturalized players, while Vietnam has not followed this path. But we have our own strengths, especially unity and a strong desire to contribute.”

Besides aiming for gold at SEA Games 33, Coach Kim Sang Sik also emphasized a longer-term ambition: to help Vietnamese youth football get closer to continental standards. “What I want most is to help players develop and be capable of competing abroad. Achievements are important, but long-term growth is my true focus,” he said.

Indonesian media highly appreciate Kim Sang Sik’s approach, seeing him as a worthy successor to Coach Park Hang Seo. Under the Korean coach, Vietnam won the 2024 AFF Cup and the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship, further affirming their leading status in the region.

Nevertheless, it is undeniable that Kim Sang Sik is under great pressure. The two consecutive gold medals during Park Hang Seo’s tenure set a high benchmark for Vietnamese football. Now, fans expect him to replicate this feat, although SEA Games 33 promises to be more unpredictable with Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia all fielding their strongest squads.

Therefore, SEA Games 33 in Thailand will not only be a medal contest but also a clash between two development philosophies: Vietnam’s sustainable self-reliance and the naturalization breakthrough of the rest of the region.