On December 6, U22 Vietnam had an important training session at RBAC University Stadium (Bangkok), right at the hottest time of the day.
This is a professional decision by coach Kim Sang Sik to simulate actual competition conditions and increase the endurance of players before the key match against U22 Malaysia on December 11.
According to the coaching staff, arranging training at noon helps the whole team both raise the physical threshold and ensure a time reserve to go to Rajamangala Stadium to directly observe the opponent competing with U22 Laos in the afternoon of the same day. This is considered a necessary preparation step, as Malaysia is considered an opponent capable of creating high-speed pressure.
The hot weather in Bangkok caused players to have many difficulties as soon as they got out of the car, forcing many people to cover their eyes or cool down continuously to ensure concentration. However, coach Kim Sang-sik still requires maintaining high-intensity exercises, focusing on the ability to change the state and handle the ball at high speed. These are the limitations in the opening match against U22 Laos.
A positive signal appeared when midfielder Nguyen Xuan Bac returned to training after a minor injury, helping the midfield have more rotation options. Assistant Lee Jung-soo continues to directly participate in combat exercises to push the training pace to the highest level.
Before the training session, midfielder Pham Minh Phuc shared about the team's mental state after the break. He said the whole team is very comfortable and is focusing on the next match. Evaluating the opponent, Minh Phuc said that directly watching the match between U22 Malaysia and U22 Laos will help the coaching staff have more important data.
This afternoon we will watch the match of Malaysia. From there, the coaching staff will analyze carefully to come up with a clearer strategy," Minh Phuc said.
The 33rd SEA Games is Minh Phuc's first major tournament at the U22 level. The midfielder from the Hanoi Police Club expressed his desire to show himself: "I really look forward to this tournament and will try my best to contribute to the team".
Looking back at the opening match, Minh Phuc frankly pointed out the team's points that need improvement: "In the previous match, the team created many opportunities but the finishing and final passes were still not good. This is something we are trying to improve every day.
He also said that coach Kim Sang-sik often reminds the players to stay alert in the final stages: "Teachers always emphasize calmness and determination in the stages near the goal".
According to the plan, on the afternoon of December 6, U22 Vietnam will go to the stadium to watch the match between U22 Malaysia and U22 Laos live. This is an important basis for the coaching staff to adjust the tactical plan before the decisive confrontation on December 11.
