High targets, high pressure
The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and coach Kim Sang-sik have agreed to maintain the goal of reaching the final of the ASEAN Cup 2024 - the tournament starting in early December. In the current context, experts say that this is a high target for the Vietnam team from both an objective and subjective perspective.
Objectively, Vietnam in Group B has Indonesia as its biggest competitor, followed by the Philippines. To win the top spot, of course, it not only needs to win - or have a favorable enough result - against these two opponents, but also needs the maximum number of points against Laos and Myanmar. Why compete for the top spot, because Thailand is in Group A, with almost certain to win the top spot.
Vietnamese football used to be “not afraid of the Thais”, but that period seems to have passed, when a series of problems were pointed out from the last period when Mr. Park Hang-seo sat on the coaching chair to Philippe Troussier, until now Kim Sang-sik took the responsibility of the “captain”. And not only Thailand, the strength of the Indonesian team has increased rapidly according to their strategic choice in personnel.
The pressure is real for the Korean coach, having to admit that Vietnam's football force is currently ranked below both Thailand and Indonesia, while the risk of being caught up by the Philippines is real.
Determine mindset and select personnel
Having determined the goal, the next issue is to solve the problems. First of all, with what mindset should the Vietnam team enter the ASEAN Cup this year? Can Vietnamese football still be the "upper hand"? No! It sounds bitter but that is the reality that should be accepted and from there choose for yourself the path, plan, strategy, tactics... to ensure the best readiness in all aspects.
Of course, nothing can be predicted, but it is better to be prepared - not just one but many options. The important thing is that coach Kim Sang-sik must create flexibility. Each coach has a different tactical style, but it is not redundant to prepare a backup plan. Or, it is still only one style of play but it will need many "cards" to surprise the opponent, or change when stuck.
Having determined the mindset, entering an important match like the match against Indonesia (second match), a good result has a very important impact on the spirit... No one forces Mr. Kim Sang-sik to direct the team to play offensively when he does not have the factors to ensure that. So what people appreciate is how to use, utilize, and promote the personnel in hand.
Regarding personnel, the next question is, how will the 47-year-old coach solve the problems that have been pointed out? What are those problems? Poor fighting spirit, average physical strength, and inconsistent skills. Just those three things alone, the former coach of Jeonbuk Huyndao Motors club has a lot of work to do.
How to encourage and re-motivate the players, including many famous players in the national team in recent years? Perhaps, Mr. Kim Sang-sik will have to determine which aspect is the priority, expertise or desire?
Good expertise but lack of motivation will not be equal to factors that can be compensated by energy and enthusiasm (while the gap in expertise is not too far). Experience is another important condition, but with reasonable arrangement, the gap can be compensated.
It is not without reason that coach Kim Sang-sik skipped matches like Hanoi FC - Hanoi Police and Binh Dinh - Binh Duong to watch Cong Phuong in Binh Phuoc team or Van Lam and his teammates in Ninh Binh team. This is no longer a period to flatter and please each other, but everyone must strive to perform. Because the team needs people with the best form and the greatest desire to carry out their tasks.
