Kim Sang-sik changes the training culture of the Vietnamese national team.

"Fairness" and "intensity" are two key words in the rebuilding of the Vietnamese national team under coach Kim Sang-sik. The South Korean coach affirmed that he prioritizes the players' current form and attitude, while also changing the training culture: shortening training time, increasing the pace, and simplifying tactical instructions for players to quickly grasp.

Choose people based on performance, not age or reputation.

Coach Kim Sang-sik emphasized that the selection process is based on data and performance: “I carefully review the data to identify problems. I choose an approach that doesn't discriminate by age – players with good form and attitude will be given a chance.” According to him, this “fairness” helps players work harder, focus more, and positively change the team's morale.

Workout culture: increase intensity, optimize duration.

The major bottleneck that Coach Kim pointed out is the habit of "falling and staying down, only getting up when sprayed with antiseptic or given water," which drags down the quality of the game. He said: "I've done some statistics and found that the actual playing time is only about 45 minutes per match – too little. Therefore, I'm requesting a change."

Under Coach Kim, training sessions were shortened to 70 to 90 minutes but were conducted with high intensity, efficiency, and absolute focus. He explained that instead of prolonging the duration, the focus was on maximizing the effectiveness of each minute of training, thereby improving fitness as the "training culture changed."

Simplified instructions: handkerchiefs as pressing signals, whiteboards for changing formations.

The next step in the change came from the way tactics were communicated. Recognizing that the Vietnamese players needed clear and visual instructions, Coach Kim used a "handkerchief" as a signal on the field: when he spun the handkerchief, the team activated high-pressure tactics. When he held up the tactical board, the team immediately switched from a 5-4-1 to a 5-3-2 formation. This adjustment was more suited to his players' ability to understand, unlike the methods he had implemented at Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.

Key figures

• 45 minutes: the actual playing time in each match that Coach Kim statistically recorded and considered "too little".
• 70–90 minutes: the duration of a training session, shortened but with increased intensity and focus.
• Instant transition: handkerchief signal for pressing; sign to change formation from 5-4-1 to 5-3-2.

Tactical message: clear, visual, and consistent.

Using standardized signals helps players quickly recognize "when to accelerate, when to change formation." Instead of complex explanations, visual cues create synchronized reflexes between lines, improving the quality of transitions and team cohesion. On this foundation, the principle of "fairness" in personnel selection creates healthy internal competition, pushing the intensity of training sessions closer to match competition requirements.

Immediate goal: Vietnam U22 team, SEA Games 33

Later this year, coach Kim Sang-sik will lead the Vietnam U22 team with the goal of winning the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games. Changes in training culture, player selection, and on-field coaching methods are the foundation he has set for this goal.