Coach Kim Sang-sik: Vietnam U23 team is ready to overcome the shadow of Coach Park Hang-seo.
Ahead of their opening match against Jordan at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship, coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed the team's confidence and their goal of advancing deep into the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The Vietnam U23 team is entering the 2026 AFC U23 Championship with high spirits after winning the SEA Games 33. Before the opening match against Jordan U23, coach Kim Sang-sik sent a strong message about the team's unity and thorough preparation to conquer new milestones.
Escape the pressure from the Changzhou miracle.
The question of the "shadow" of his predecessor, Park Hang-seo, is always a hot topic before every major tournament for the Vietnam U23 team. However, coach Kim Sang-sik has frankly dispelled these doubts. He expressed absolute respect for what his compatriot achieved in 2018, but emphasized that the current context is different.
"We are fully focused on the current squad. Although there are difficult challenges ahead, I believe that the players' physical and mental state is at its best," Kim shared. The South Korean strategist wants his players to put the past behind them and focus 100% on showcasing their abilities on the field.
Two months of preparation and a family-like bond.
The ultimate goal for the Vietnam U23 team in this tournament is to secure a place in the quarter-finals. To achieve this, the entire team has undergone two months of rigorous training. According to coach Kim Sang-sik, this is not only a process of honing technical and tactical skills but also a time for the team members to become close like a family.
Besides confidence, the head coach of the Vietnam U23 team also reminded his players to keep their feet on the ground. He valued discipline and demanded that the players maintain humility and maximum focus to bring joy to the fans at home.
Match information and expectations
The opening match between Vietnam U23 and Jordan U23 will officially take place at 6:30 PM on January 6th (Vietnam time). With their excellent physical condition and the momentum from their SEA Games gold medal win in Thailand, experts expect the "Golden Star Warriors" to have a favorable start.
Overall, the thorough preparation and relaxed mindset under coach Kim Sang-sik are transforming the Vietnam U23 team into a formidable force. The result of their opening match against their West Asian opponent will be the most accurate measure of the team's ambition to advance deep into this year's AFC U23 Asian Championship.
