Journalist Jaemin Hong, a person who closely follows and regularly visits Vietnam to support the Vietnamese team in major and minor tournaments over the years, confirmed to Thanh Nien Newspaper that VFF is preparing to announce the contract with coach Kim Sang-sik.

The former Editor-in-Chief of Korean Magazine 442 highly appreciated the VFF's decision: "I think Coach Kim Sang-sik is a good choice for the VFF. He possesses a winning gene after many years of playing for K-League champions.

Coach Kim Sang-sik has a very good connection with the players, which we call "brotherhood". He is like a big brother to the players.

Not to mention tactics, coach Kim Sang-sik is a very good team spirit booster. It can be said that building good relationships with players is the strength of this 48-year-old coach."

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC

According to journalist Jaemin Hong, Kim Sang-sik also caused controversy when Jeonbuk fans complained about his "boring" playing tactics, but the players always supported the coach who was the captain and helped Jeonbuk win its first championship, opening a period of domination of the K-League.

"Kim Sang-sik was very popular at Jeonbuk from his time as a player to his time as a coach, but his 'feelings have gone downhill' since he led the team to compete in the K-League," said Jaemin Hong.

However, I think Kim Sang-sik has learned a lot from his coaching experiences here. Personally, Coach Kim Sang-sik is a very funny person, often telling jokes.

I hope Kim Sang-sik will soon establish a good relationship with the Vietnamese players. But we will have to wait and see because he will have to communicate through an interpreter, because he does not speak English. If the players cannot feel the optimism of coach Kim Sang-sik, it will be a pity."

At the same time, Mr. Jaemin Hong also pointed out two big challenges for coach Kim Sang-sik when taking over the Vietnam team: "Coach Kim Sang-sik will have to face two big challenges, when having to adapt to Vietnamese football culture, and next, having to overcome endless comparisons with coach Park Hang-seo.

I think the media and Vietnamese fans all want Kim to repeat the successes of Mr. Park. But you know, at the moment Indonesia is growing rapidly while Thailand has great individuals.

It will not be easy for the new head coach of the Vietnam national team. Obviously, agreeing to come to Vietnam is considered a brave decision by coach Kim Sang-sik. He will be praised a lot, but if not, he will be considered too risky."

According to Mr. Jaemin Hong, information about coach Kim Sang-sik's contract will be announced in the next few days, after Mr. Kim's representative company reaches an agreement with VFF. Mr. Jaemin Hong is also the person that superstar Son Heung-min trusted to write his memoir.