Coach Kim Sang-sik: My next goal is to win the 33rd SEA Games

Coach Kim Sang-sik. Photo: VFF

Reporter: In the recent final match of the U23 Southeast Asian tournament, the U23 Vietnam team won against the host U23 Indonesia team at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. How do you feel?

Coach Kim Sang-sik: Playing away from home, we won the championship for the third time in a row, which is very joyful and happy. Especially, the whole team gave gifts to Vietnamese fans. That is the most important thing.

Reporter: The 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship started with doubts for coach Kim Sang-sik, what do you think about this?

Coach Kim Sang-sik: Before the tournament, the national team had lost to Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, but my coaching staff and I tried not to let it affect U23 Vietnam. We tried to give motivation and confidence to the players. We sweated together and put in effort to be able to compete well. That is what makes me happiest.

Reporter: A leader of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) once expressed his opinion: The coach's level is not necessarily a factor for the team's success, but rather it must be suitable. Do you agree with this opinion? Where do you see yourself?

Coach Kim Sang-sik: As a coach, there are many factors to consider in terms of tactics, motivating players, communication and relationships… I thank President Tran Quoc Tuan for choosing me and giving me the opportunity to work. In addition, I need to work hard to find a training plan, how to best teach players.

Coach Kim Sang-sik and the Southeast Asian U23 Championship trophy. Photo: Phuong Trang

Reporter: In the recent final match, there were some opinions that water bottles were scattered on the sidelines to make it difficult for U23 Indonesia to throw in. It was certainly not a trick, but it was unintentionally effective. What do you think about this?

Coach Kim Sang-sik: During a match, players often need water, and it's normal to have water next to the track. But for opponents, they may be too sensitive to that situation.

Reporter: Continuously winning all the official tournaments he participated in, do you think Mr. Kim Sang-sik can be considered the "Midas king" of Vietnamese football?

Coach Kim Sang-sik: The recent U23 Southeast Asian Championship was the result of the players' hard work and sweat. Along with that, the coaching staff analyzed the tactics of the players and opponents to create that success. I also hope that when I touch something, it will turn into gold.

Reporter: After the impressive victory in this tournament, have you started thinking about your goal at SEA Games 33?

Coach Kim Sang-sik: I would also like to thank the players once again, the VFF's care from the first days in Vung Tau, the facilities for the players to practice, and at the same time thank the fans for always supporting and encouraging the team to develop further. For me, the goal of the SEA Games is definitely the championship. We try to promote and regain confidence in competition to achieve the goal we set.

Coach Kim Sang-sik shared about the next goal of U23 Vietnam. Photo: Phuong Trang