Before the opening match of Group A of ASEAN Cup 2026 against Timor-Leste taking place on the evening of July 24th at Chonburi Stadium (Thailand), coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed that the Vietnamese team is ready for the journey to defend the regional championship.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Korean strategist said that the first match is always of special significance in any tournament.
He said: "We are very honored to participate in this tournament. At the same time, we are also preparing to aim for the championship. Like any other tournament, the first match is always very important. Therefore, the whole team and coaching staff have prepared to win in tomorrow's match.
The Vietnamese national team entered the ASEAN Cup 2026 as the defending champion. Coach Kim Sang-sik's team is in Group A with Timor-Leste, Singapore, Indonesia and Cambodia. After a training trip in South Korea and a friendly match with Myanmar, the team is assessed to have good preparation before entering the tournament.
Sharing about the pressure in the journey to defend the throne, Mr. Kim said that the whole team will turn pressure into motivation: "We want to turn pressure into confidence. Our players have experience winning and becoming champions. Of course, it is not easy. However, our goal is to once again become champions. Therefore, we have prepared well and hope to be able to show a good performance".
According to coach Kim Sang-sik, Southeast Asian football is developing strongly, making the race at the ASEAN Cup increasingly fierce.
He said: "I see that all teams in Southeast Asia have very high competitiveness and very good football skills. However, from that I have also learned a lot, especially the confidence that we need to show and courage. Therefore, we must unite into a team, unite together, continue to move forward to control the match. But at the same time, we must also enjoy the match to bring joy.
Despite setting high goals, coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed that the whole team will not think too far but only focus on each match.
He emphasized: "At this time, for the team, the important thing is that in each match we must try our best and show a good performance for ourselves. As always, the goal is of course to become champions. However, at this time we cannot affirm that we will be champions, because first of all we must focus on each match, each match one by one and try our best.
The match between Timor-Leste and Vietnam will take place at 8:30 p.m. on July 24 at Chonburi Stadium (Thailand), opening the journey to defend the 2026 ASEAN Cup championship of coach Kim Sang-sik and his team.
