Coach Kim Sang Sik faces numerous challenges with the Vietnamese national team as they prepare for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, a crucial step in maintaining future success.

Squad challenges

Shortly after winning the 2024 ASEAN Cup, Coach Kim Sang Sik and the Vietnamese national team are shifting their focus to securing a spot at the 2027 Asian Cup, with the first qualifying match set for March.

With a squad that recently claimed regional glory, the South Korean coach can feel confident about their immediate chances. However, in the long run - especially by the time the final tournament in Saudi Arabia takes place - adjustments will be necessary.

Under normal circumstances, key players like Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, and Tien Linh should be able to feature in another Asian Cup campaign. However, in Vietnamese football, such assumptions are often uncertain.

Age, motivation, and the risk of injuries could prevent current stars from playing in the 2027 tournament. Coach Kim Sang Sik must therefore introduce new talent to ensure squad depth and readiness for all scenarios.

To maintain long-term stability, the coach should integrate new faces into the squad during the Asian Cup qualifiers, especially in matches against weaker opponents like Nepal.

Tactical concerns

Vietnam won the 2024 ASEAN Cup convincingly, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament. However, their style of play has yet to fully satisfy analysts and fans.

The team showed tactical weaknesses, struggling with passing accuracy, shot efficiency, and ball possession. While these issues were somewhat forgivable during a regional tournament, they will need significant improvement for the Asian Cup qualifiers.

Coach Kim Sang Sik, still relatively new to the team, was given some leeway at the ASEAN Cup. However, the stakes are higher now, and his tactics must evolve accordingly.

Squad selection will play a major role in shaping Vietnam’s playing style, but the current talent pool in the V-League presents its own challenges. Finding the right personnel to execute his vision will be one of Kim Sang Sik’s biggest obstacles in the months ahead.

Duy Nguyen