Vietnam Team: 'Strange' list and coach Kim Sang Sik's intentions

For the first time since leading the Vietnam team , coach Kim Sang Sik announced the team's training list with many "strange" faces.

The Korean strategist skipped familiar names, instead calling goalkeeper Quan Van Chuan (Hanoi FC), defender Tran Hoang Phuc (HCMC FC), Dinh Quang Kiet (HAGL), midfielder Ly Cong Hoang Anh ( Nam Dinh Green Steel), and striker Pham Gia Hung (Ninh Binh).

quang kiet.jpg — Quang Kiet is only 18 years old and 1m96 tall.

Among these, the appearance of central defender Dinh Quang Kiet (HAGL) is the most notable. Quang Kiet is only 18 years old, 1m96 tall and is a mainstay of the mountain town team this season.

Pham Gia Hung's case was also a surprising decision by coach Kim Sang Sik. The Ninh Binh Club striker only played a "supporting role", only being brought onto the field in the final minutes of the last two matches in the V-League.

On the other hand, coach Kim Sang Sik did not call up Nguyen Filip, Dang Van Lam, Dinh Trieu, Que Ngoc Hai, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Bui Tien Dung...

Looking at the list above, many people mistakenly think that coach Kim Sang Sik is making changes to the team. However, this is a training session with the main purpose of reviewing, testing and evaluating the force to prepare for the next matches in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup, which will take place next October.

kim sang sik.JPG — Coach Kim Sang Sik tested many new elements. Photo: SN

The Vietnam team also did not have any international friendly matches, instead there were 2 internal practice matches with CAHN Club and Nam Dinh Blue Steel.

The Korean strategist gives opportunities to many new faces, however, these players are still considered "potential", preparing for the future.

In other words, in the training session in October, when the Vietnamese team returns to the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup, it is almost certain that the team composition will have many changes.

With the list just announced, Coach Kim Sang Sik's goal is very clear: Experiment, create competition and motivation in the Vietnam team. Of course, Mr. Kim really hopes to discover special factors to renew the playing style, aiming for important upcoming goals.