Here, coach Kim Sang-sik admitted that he still has not forgotten the feeling of victory with the Vietnamese team at the ASEAN Cup 2024. It is a happiness and joy that is difficult to describe in words for the coach born in 1976.
"When the final whistle blew at the end of the second leg of the final match against Thailand, I felt like I had released an invisible pressure and found peace for a moment. Looking at the Vietnamese team celebrating and the Vietnamese fans cheering, I cried. My agent also cried.
We, the men, shed tears. It was also a rare time after many years that I cried," the captain of the Vietnamese team expressed.
To be able to lead the Vietnamese team and win the first title, the Korean coach did not forget to mention the introduction of his representative and coach Park Hang-seo. Mr. Kim Sang-sik said that he is inheriting the path that Mr. Park has taken and seeking advice from his compatriot.
Coach Kim Sang-sik also frankly expressed his views on working and coaching at the Vietnam national team. He said: "I care about the sharing of each coach at each club as well as local fans. I listen and discuss with the players every day. Until now, I still do that.
I think you should not try to educate your players or everyone around you. That is an obvious, daily thing that every coach must do. If you cannot meet that, or have to strain yourself to realize that goal, it is best that you quit and not be a football coach anymore.
From my perspective, I want to bring smiles to everyone. I believe that the players and staff will do their job better if they are in a comfortable and happy mood."
After striker Xuan Son's performance at the ASEAN Cup 2024, the story of naturalization is mentioned more than ever.
When asked about choosing a player in the world who could be naturalized and play for the Vietnamese team, Mr. Kim Sang-sik did not hesitate: "Of course it would be Son Heung-min. If Son comes to Vietnam, I will invite him to eat pho. I will help Son accompany the Vietnamese team. Surely, he will make many impressions on the team."
After nearly a year working in Vietnam, coach Kim Sang-sik assessed that Vietnamese players have a lot of potential but they need to make more efforts to develop themselves, gain experience and courage if they want the opportunity to go abroad and play football in Korea.
