Coach Kim Sang-sik eliminated Tran Thanh Trung
In the list of 23 players for the 2026 AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers, coach Kim Sang-sik decided to remove midfielder Tran Thanh Trung. The overseas Vietnamese player born in 2005 was eliminated for technical reasons, not injury.
"Regarding player Tran Thanh Trung, in this qualifying round, it is not necessarily because he is injured," coach Kim Sang-sik revealed that Thanh Trung's exclusion was not due to injury. The Ninh Binh player has not yet reached the ideal physical condition to adapt to the playing style and operation that coach Kim Sang-sik expects from U.23 Vietnam.
Thanh Trung (second from left) has not yet convinced coach Kim Sang-sik.
PHOTO: VFF
At the same time, the U.23 Southeast Asian Championship also gives coach Kim Sang-sik reason to put his trust in the current players, who are playing effectively and cohesively. According to Mr. Kim, Thanh Trung has the ability and is strong enough to return in the next training sessions.
"In the past few days, I have evaluated and analyzed Tran Thanh Trung's ability. He has good technique and determination, and will be a quality player in the future. Thanh Trung will have a bright future in the national team. I hope Thanh Trung can participate in the next tournaments," coach Kim Sang-sik emphasized.
U.23 Vietnam determined to win
"First of all, I would like to send my best wishes to all Vietnamese people on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day. With what Vietnam has achieved in the past 80 years, I believe this is the motivation for the players to compete well in the upcoming qualifying round," coach Kim Sang-sik shared ahead of the 2026 AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers.
The 2026 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers will officially take place on September 3. The Vietnam U23 team is in Group C, facing Bangladesh U23 (September 3), Singapore (September 6) and Yemen (September 9). Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team's goal is to win the top spot in the group to get a direct ticket to the final round. Vietnam U23 has continuously participated in the AFC U23 Championship finals since 2016.
Coach Kim Sang-sik prioritizes safety
PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG
"U.23 Vietnam has achieved many successes with the U.23 Southeast Asian Championship. This is the motivation for my players to play well in this tournament. No player has any specific injuries, only Van Khang is a bit stiff but can still play tomorrow's match.
The U.23 Vietnam coaching staff has researched the opponents. Of these, U.23 Yemen is the strongest opponent in this group, however, the whole team has prepared technically and tactically for the match with the goal of achieving the best results," Coach Kim Sang-sik shared.
When asked why Le Viktor was not a starter for U.23 Vietnam, coach Kim Sang-sik commented: "Le Viktor is a quality player, but the reason I have not chosen him is because of his technical skills and tactics. The coaching staff calculates and selects for each match so that Le Viktor can maximize his potential."
Tomorrow (September 3), U.23 Vietnam will play the opening match of the 2026 U.23 Asian qualifiers against U.23 Bangladesh at home stadium Viet Tri.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-kim-sang-sik-he-lo-ly-do-bat-ngo-khi-gach-ten-tran-thanh-trung-khong-phai-vi-chan-thuong-185250902182156314.htm
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