Coach Kim Sang-sik is considering calling up Dinh Bac to participate in the 20th Asian Games with the U21 team.
Coach Kim Sang-sik is considering changing the personnel plan for the Vietnamese Olympic team by adding experienced players like Dinh Bac in preparation for the 20th Asian Games.
Coach Kim Sang-sik is considering a crucial tactical decision for the 20th Asian Games campaign in Japan. Instead of relying solely on the U21 squad as initially planned, the South Korean coach is likely to add experienced players from the U23 team, notably striker Nguyen Dinh Bac, to increase competitiveness in the continental tournament.
Adjusting strategy based on competition experience.
The initial plan of the VFF and coaching staff was to provide maximum opportunities for the U21 team to gain experience at the Asian Games, which will take place from September 14th to October 4th, 2026. This model was previously applied at the 2023 Games. However, after observing the performance of the U21 team at the CFA Team China friendly tournament in Xi'an, Coach Kim Sang-sik realized that the young squad needed more key players with strong leadership qualities.
Strengthening the squad with the players who won the bronze medal at the 2026 U23 Asian Championship is considered a necessary solution. The inclusion of senior players not only upgrades the professional quality but also helps young players gain more confidence when facing top opponents in the continent.
The rotation strategy for the 2026 AFF Cup.
This change also stems from the packed schedule of Vietnamese football in 2026. The 2020 Asian Games will start right after the 2025/2026 V-League season concludes and will be very close to the training period for the 2026 AFF Cup. To ensure the fitness of key players, coach Kim Sang-sik plans to divide the squad into two specialized groups.
- Core team:Focus entirely on the goal of winning the AFF Cup 2026.
- Mixed group:The squad will consist of a core of U21 players combined with 4-5 U23 veterans who will compete in Japan.
According to sources, besides Dinh Bac, names like Khuat Van Khang and goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien are top priorities on the list of potential additions. This personnel allocation helps the coaching staff ensure both success at the Asian Games and maintain the best possible squad for the Southeast Asian Games. Currently, coach Kim Sang-sik and his assistants are discussing the details to finalize the optimal list based on the players' actual performance.