Explaining the towel waving action from coach Kim Sang Sik's assistant

(Dan Tri) - Coach Kim Sang Sik made a surprising revelation about assistant coach Lee Jung Soo's towel waving action during the final match of the U23 Southeast Asian tournament between U23 Vietnam and U23 Indonesia on the evening of July 29.

Defeating Indonesia, U23 Vietnam won the U23 Southeast Asian Championship for the third time

U23 Vietnam created a top performance when they excellently overcame the huge pressure from the host audience U23 Indonesia at the "fire pit" Gelora Bung Karno, thereby proudly lifting the championship trophy. This is the third consecutive championship title of the "Golden Star Warriors" at the U23 Southeast Asian tournament.

The on-field signals from assistant coach Lee Jung Soo contributed to the championship of U23 Vietnam (Photo: VFF).

With a reasonable counter-attacking strategy, Coach Kim Sang Sik showed his talent in turning U23 Vietnam into a solid block, completely neutralizing the fast-paced attack of U23 Indonesia. In particular, the Korean strategist was extremely skillful in putting signals into the match.

The image of assistant coach Lee Jung Soo waving a towel on the sidelines is quickly spreading on social media. Many fans believe that it is a signal from the U23 Vietnam coaching staff to call for more concentration from the players, but coach Kim Sang Sik explains it differently.

“ Lee Jung Soo is a man of energy. His signals from the field are sometimes as important as a call in the dressing room. The pressure from the fans and the heat on the field make the players feel tired.

I had to do something to give them more energy to fight. In such a crowded stadium, it was difficult for me to direct the players with words. Therefore, I proposed a signal, which was when waving the towel, the whole team would press together," the Korean coach explained.

Using signals with objects other than words or gestures is not very common, but it shows Coach Kim Sang Sik's creativity in conveying messages to players when necessary.

Coach Kim Sang Sik poses to celebrate the U23 Southeast Asian Championship with the U23 Vietnam players (Photo: VFF)

The U23 Southeast Asian Championship right at the "fire pan" of Gelora Bung Karno (Indonesia) not only affirmed the mettle of U23 Vietnam but also helped coach Kim Sang Sik make history by becoming the first coach of Vietnamese football to win two consecutive major titles on away field, both by defeating the home team in the final.

Previously, at the AFF Cup 2024, the Vietnamese team defeated Thailand in the second leg of the final with a score of 3-2 at Rajamangala Stadium and lifted the championship trophy right on Thai soil.

Watch the full 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Football Championship Mandiri Cup™ on FPT Play, visit http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/ly-giai-hanh-dong-vay-khan-tam-den-tu-tro-ly-cua-hlv-kim-sang-sik-20250730044336750.htm