SPECIAL CONCENTRATION

Unlike the Vietnam national team training session in June, coach Kim Sang-sik is applying a new working principle for the U.22 Vietnam team. The Korean coach called up more players (35 names), but trained them for a shorter period (5 days). This training session is purely for Mr. Kim to have an initial idea of ​​the players' abilities.

In the past few days, coach Kim Sang-sik and his assistants have watched videos (through domestic and international tournaments) to roughly evaluate the level of their students. However, to truly recognize the true level of each name, it is only possible through direct testing, through specific exercises on the field, through strict measurements. Among the players Mr. Kim has summoned, besides the squad that competed in the 2024 U.23 Asian Cup finals, there are also names that are only 18 - 19 years old, with no experience in V-League competition. However, through 5 days of training, the potential of the players will gradually be revealed.

In the eyes of astute experts, a few days of observing the training and living process is enough for a coach to make a comprehensive assessment of his students, although the ability to progress of each player depends on many factors. For example, coach Park Hang-seo only needed a very short time to discover the potential of Phan Van Duc, when he was coaching U.23 Vietnam to play in the 2018 U.23 Asian Cup. Or for coach Philippe Troussier, it was the right decision to trust Nguyen Thai Son and Nguyen Dinh Bac, young stars who were not appreciated before, but have increasingly proven their abilities.

Although going through a difficult period when stopping early in the World Cup qualifiers, Vietnamese football has never lacked "rough gems". There are always young players being introduced, and the head coach's task is to discover and polish them. As for young stars like Nguyen Cong Phuong, Bui Vi Hao or Dang Tuan Phong... Coach Kim Sang-sik's trust will be extremely valuable, encouraging young players to make more efforts.

P TEST OF COACH K IM S ANG -S IK

Coach Kim Sang-sik will test his students' skills at U.22 Vietnam, but conversely, this young team is also a test for Mr. Kim himself.

The Korean coach took over the Vietnamese team 2 months ago, with 2 matches against the Philippines and Iraq in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Positive signs have appeared, especially in terms of spirit, but it must be admitted: Mr. Kim is purely taking over the playing style and personnel foundation from his predecessor, without any breakthrough changes. However, it is difficult to demand that coach Kim Sang-sik make radical changes in a short period of time, with players who are familiar with the old playing style.

However, with U.22 Vietnam, the reality will be different. Having many inexperienced players in hand is actually a good omen for Coach Kim. Because with "blank pages" full of desire to learn and improve, the Korean coach will find it easier to shape tactics, convey philosophy and change the playing style, compared to a national team that has long established its style.

The U.22 Vietnam team has many players, both old and new, but in general, they are all highly appreciated for their progressive spirit. Coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed that he always looks at the attitude and desire to contribute of his students to make his selection. The list of 35 players, therefore, has been carefully selected and will change based on Mr. Kim's perspective.