Coach Kim Sang Sik Identifies Vietnam's Weaknesses After 3-0 Win

Coach Kim Sang Sik highlighted fitness issues and substitution plans following the victory over Bangladesh, emphasizing improvements needed before the decisive match against Malaysia.

Coach Kim Sang Sik pointed out areas for improvement for the Vietnam national team despite their 3-0 win against Bangladesh, as the team prepares for the crucial match against Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Speaking after the match, the Korean strategist stated that the main goal was not only the result but also testing tactics and players' physical condition. “In this match, I mainly asked the players to execute tactics correctly and check their fitness. Recently, they have been playing continuously in the V-League, showing signs of fatigue,” he shared.

According to Coach Kim Sang Sik, fitness is a key factor Vietnam needs to improve before facing Malaysia. Player overload could directly affect their ability to maintain match intensity and gameplay effectiveness. Therefore, the coaching staff proactively rotated the lineup to help key players reach optimal condition.

“Through substitutions and testing various positions, we aim to ensure players maintain their physical condition and peak performance when facing Malaysia,” he emphasized. This is considered a crucial preparatory step for Vietnam to enter the key match with the strongest squad.

Besides fitness, Coach Kim Sang Sik also addressed tactical challenges due to the absence of key players. In the first half, he used the duo Nguyen Hoang Duc and Nguyen Quang Hai to control the game. However, in the second half, both were withdrawn to test alternative options.

“I had Hoang Duc and Quang Hai play in the first half, then substituted them to see how the team operates without them. This is something we still need to refine,” Coach Kim Sang Sik candidly stated.

Thus, despite a convincing win, the Vietnam national team still has areas to improve, particularly regarding fitness and backup tactical plans. These adjustments will play a vital role as the team enters the decisive match against Malaysia on March 31.