Coach Kim Sang-sik refreshes Vietnam team against Laos
Vietnam gathers for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, coach Kim Sang-sik aims to refresh the squad against Laos: 15-20% new players each time, waiting for Nguyen Xuan Son to return.
The Vietnam national team has officially gathered to prepare for the match against Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Facing an opponent that is not highly rated, coach Kim Sang-sik faces a double problem: having to renew the squad in the transition period while still ensuring professional requirements and the goal of 3 points.
The post-golden age and the fear of the beaten path
After a period of great success under coach Park Hang-seo, the current Vietnamese team still relies heavily on the old squad. Former mainstays such as Bui Tien Dung, Do Duy Manh, Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Tien Linh, Nguyen Hoang Duc… still occupy the starting positions, but their performance is no longer at the peak level as before.
The 2024 AFF Cup championship largely came from the explosive inspiration of Nguyen Xuan Son with 7 goals in 5 matches. When Xuan Son was injured, the monotony in the attack line was immediately revealed. The two not-so-enthusiastic wins against Nepal were a warning of stagnation in the operation of the playing style if they continued to follow the old way.
The force needs a breath of fresh air
Coach Kim Sang-sik clearly identified the need to “renew” the squad. In each training session, he proactively gave opportunities to a new group of players at a rate of 15-20% – a number that reflects the expansion of competition. However, the actual effectiveness is still unclear: not everyone has emerged as strongly as Nguyen Dinh Trieu or Doan Ngoc Tan; many new players only appeared once and then disappeared.
The team is in a “low” stage: the veteran generation has reached its limit, while the next generation is not yet mature enough. Therefore, experimentation is a must, although immediate results cannot be guaranteed. Before Laos, this is the right time to review personnel, check the structure of the playing style and reduce dependence on one individual in the attack.
Trial window before Laos
The match against Laos is not only a 3-point goal but also a test for names like Viet Cuong, Gia Hung, Van Viet, Gia Bao… They are at the ideal age, have good physical foundation, modern football thinking and stable performance in V-League – necessary factors for a new cycle.
The return of Nguyen Xuan Son from injury – although he may not start – is still expected to bring energy and change to the front line. With 7 goals in 5 matches at the AFF Cup 2024, this striker has been an inspirational fulcrum, and his presence helps to expand the attacking options, while creating positive internal competition.
Balance between results and experimentation
Coach Kim Sang-sik’s innovative thinking shows courage, but bold moves only make sense when they translate into results on the pitch. The way he uses his players should aim to reduce monotony in midfield, diversify scoring locations and build an attacking structure that is less dependent on individual inspiration. It is a balance between appropriate rotation and the need to control the tempo, between innovation and discipline.
Two disappointing wins against Nepal were a reminder that sticking to the old formula no longer guarantees superiority. Against Laos, a window of experimentation opens for coach Kim to assess the readiness of the new recruits, adjust the roles of the veteran group and determine the appropriate personnel model for the long run.
Long-term impacts
The upcoming period with the AFF Cup 2026, Asian Cup 2027 and World Cup 2030 qualifiers is the hinge for the new cycle. The decisions today – from giving 15-20% of new players a chance each time, to closely integrating the old and new generations – will shape the backbone of the Vietnamese team. To avoid "the old path", the team needs courage in choosing and steadfastness in implementation, starting right from the match against Laos.
Coach Kim Sang-sik does not lack the will to change. The remaining question lies in the answer of the new recruits: not only the desire to be selected for the national team, but also the need to prove their worth through practical effectiveness in every minute on the field.