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

“Fairness” and “intensity” are two key words in the rebuilding of the Vietnamese team under coach Kim Sang-sik. The Korean coach affirmed that he prioritizes the current form and attitude of the players, while changing the training culture: shortening the duration, increasing the tempo, simplifying tactical instructions so that the players can absorb quickly.

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 find problems. I choose the method that does not discriminate by age – players with good performance and attitude will be given opportunities.” According to him, “fairness” helps players to try harder, focus more and change the team spirit in a positive way.

Training culture: increase intensity, optimize duration

The big problem that Coach Kim pointed out was the habit of “falling down and only getting up when sprayed with medicine or drinking water”, which reduced the quality of the game. He said: “I did statistics and found that the actual ball time was only about 45 minutes per game – too little. Therefore, I requested a change.”

Training sessions under Coach Kim are shortened to 70 to 90 minutes but are high-intensity, concise and absolutely focused. He explains: not to prolong the duration, but instead to maximize the effectiveness of every minute of training, thereby improving fitness as “training culture changes”.

Simplify command: handkerchief as pressing signal, board to change diagram

The next step of change came in the way of communicating tactics. Realizing that the Vietnamese players needed clear and intuitive instructions, Coach Kim used a “handkerchief” as a signal on the field: when he turned the handkerchief, the team activated high pressure (pressing). When he raised the tactical board, the team immediately changed its structure from 5-4-1 to 5-3-2. This was an adjustment suitable for the receptive ability of his students, different from the way he used to deploy at Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.

Key numbers

• 45 minutes: the actual ball time per match that coach Kim counted and considered "too little".
• 70–90 minutes: the duration of a workout, shortened but with increased intensity and focus.
• Instant switching: handkerchief signal for pressing; board raised to change formation from 5-4-1 to 5-3-2.

Tactical messaging: clear, visual, consistent

Using unified signals helps players quickly recognize “when to accelerate, when to change structure”. Instead of many complicated explanations, visual signs create synchronized reflexes between lines, increase the quality of transitions and team cohesion. On that basis, the principle of “fairness” in personnel selection creates healthy internal competition, pushing the intensity of training sessions to a level close to competition requirements.

Immediate goal: U22 Vietnam, SEA Games 33

At the end of this year, Coach Kim Sang-sik will lead the U22 Vietnam team with the goal of winning the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games. Changes in training culture, player selection and on-field management are the foundation he has laid for this goal.

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