Coach Kim Sang Sik: 'We need to review Xuân Son's weight'

The 3-0 victory over Bangladesh allowed the Vietnamese national team to conduct an important squad test, but still left matters for Coach Kim Sang Sik to ponder.

The Vietnamese national team delivered an impressive performance by defeating Bangladesh 3-0 at Hàng Đẫy Stadium on March 26th. Within the first half, Tuấn Hải, Xuân Mạnh, and Hai Long scored consecutively, creating a completely dominant situation. However, the match was not only about the result but also an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the players' form and physical condition.

Notably, the two naturalized players Nguyễn Xuân Son and Đỗ Hoàng Hên were unable to score. Hên was placed in the starting lineup, while Xuân Son entered the field in the second half but did not leave a clear mark. This specifically drew Coach Kim Sang Sik's attention, as he emphasized the need to check Xuân Son's physical condition after the match.

Speaking at the press conference, the Korean strategist candidly stated: "We need to check Xuân Son's weight again. Recently he suffered a thigh muscle injury, so his movement today was not very fluid. Xuân Son is striving to regain his peak form. I expect him to perform better in the match against Malaysia." This statement shows the coaching staff is closely monitoring this forward's recovery process.

Meanwhile, Hoàng Hên drew attention by being tested in various different positions on the field. He successively took on roles as a central striker, a winger, and even a central midfielder. Despite having notable plays, this player still left regret with some missed opportunities in both halves.

Coach Kim Sang Sik revealed more about the plan for using Hoàng Hên: "I asked Hoàng Hên before the match if he could play multiple positions. He agreed and told me he could do it. I and my colleagues will try to find Hoàng Hên's best position before the match against Malaysia." This indicates the coaching staff is maximizing the versatility of this player.

Additionally, the case of Văn Hậu also received attention. Although known for his ability to play as a center-back, he was arranged to play as a wing-back in this match to serve tactical requirements. Coach Kim Sang Sik shared: "Văn Hậu can play as a center-back and a wing-back. He has performed very well in V-League, but in this match I needed to adjust tactics so I placed him as a wing-back. I hope Văn Hậu plays better in the match against Malaysia, and I will arrange him as a center-back for that match."

Concluding the match, Coach Kim Sang Sik emphasized that the main goal was not the score: "This match was mainly for us to check the players' physical condition, as they have been playing continuously in V-League recently. I also made many substitutions to balance the fitness levels for my players before the upcoming match against Malaysia." After the victory over Bangladesh, the Vietnamese national team will continue preparing for the rematch with Malaysia on March 31st at Thiên Trường Stadium within the framework of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.