Coach Kim Sang-sik is in his home country of South Korea to rest after winning the 2024 ASEAN Cup with the Vietnamese team.
During his nearly 8 months working in Vietnam, the 1976-born coach lived alone in the premises of the Vietnam Football Federation. His family, including his wife, son in university, and daughter in high school, all live in Korea.
Sharing with the media at home, Mr. Kim Sang-sik expressed: "I could not invite my family to Vietnam properly because I had to focus on my coaching duties. However, I am very happy because this championship has helped me to repay my family in some way.
When I returned home, my daughter asked to take a selfie with me. At that moment, I felt like I was flying on clouds. I will continue to be a father who makes my daughter proud with good achievements."
Mr. Kim Sang-sik and his family faced criticism and even attacks during his final time leading the Jeonbuk team in Korea. Therefore, when this coach came to Vietnam and had initial successes, he and his family felt very happy.
"When receiving the awards, I want to invite my parents, wife and children to delicious meals. That culture is probably similar to the Vietnamese people. During the Lunar New Year, I will stay in Vietnam and invite my family to come here to learn about Vietnamese culture and travel," coach Kim Sang-sik told Lao Dong.
The 2024 ASEAN Cup championship has brought positive signals to Vietnamese football in general and coach Kim Sang-sik in particular.
