Vietnam national team's first training session, 'deputy general' Thanh Luong meets coach Kim Sang-sik

On the afternoon of August 30th, the Vietnamese national team held its first training session, aiming for two friendly matches against Russia and Thailand in the LPBank Cup 2024. Except for players participating in the National Super Cup such as Nguyen Tuan Anh, Nguyen Phong Hong Duy, and Trinh Xuan Hoang, all other players were present.

This training camp includes players who are working with the South Korean strategist for the first time, such as goalkeeper Trinh Xuan Hoang, defenders Nguyen Phong Hong Duy and Giap Tuan Duong, and midfielder Phan Van Duc.

Besides some new faces, the Vietnamese national team's coaching staff also has a "newcomer." That's former player Pham Thanh Luong. The former Hanoi FC midfielder, nicknamed Luong "the eccentric," is currently the assistant coach to Alexandre Polking at Hanoi Police FC. He retired at the end of the 2023 season and is preparing to pursue a coaching career. Thanh Luong had a brilliant playing career, winning the Vietnamese Golden Ball award four times.

Former midfielder Pham Thanh Luong made his debut for the Vietnamese national team as an assistant coach. He joined head coach Kim Sang-sik's coaching staff, assisting with training, implementing training plans, and demonstrating tactical skills to the players.

Besides the Korean assistants, coach Kim Sang-sik wants to utilize Vietnamese assistants to connect with the players and create a relaxed atmosphere.

Familiar faces of the Vietnamese national team were present at the training session on the afternoon of August 30th, just a few hours after assembling.

Nguyen Van Tung (number 25) is a player selected by coach Kim Sang-sik from the Vietnam U.23 team. Along with Bui Vi Hao and Phan Tuan Tai, he is expected to be the next generation of the national team.

Coach Kim Sang-sik will have two weeks of training and two friendly matches in September to finalize the squad, assess the players' abilities, and test new tactics.

Young goalkeeper Nguyen Van Viet was also given a chance to prove himself in the Vietnamese national team. He had been called up by coach Philippe Troussier in previous training camps, but had never been the starting goalkeeper.

Because in goal, the Vietnamese national team still has the experienced duo of Dang Van Lam and Nguyen Filip.

Nguyen Hai Long and Nguyen Van Truong are young midfielders of Hanoi FC, expected to bring a fresh impetus to the midfield.

However, the young players need to surpass their senior, Do Hung Dung, one of the most experienced national team players. Hung Dung, currently wearing the captain's armband, is highly regarded for his stamina and tactical vision. He is one of the few veterans from the 1993 generation still remaining in the Vietnamese national team, alongside Van Lam and Que Ngoc Hai.

Central defender Nguyen Thanh Chung was not a favored player under coach Troussier. However, his ability to command the defense, his aerial prowess, and his good defensive skills give the 1996-born player a competitive advantage in the new phase under coach Kim Sang-sik.

Nguyen Quang Hai is gradually regaining his form while playing for Hanoi Police FC. The 1997-born star plays regularly and makes significant contributions to the team's performance. In Vietnam's 2-1 victory over Buriram United in the ASEAN Club Championship (Shopee Cup), Quang Hai played well.

Phan Van Duc is also a familiar yet new face in this training camp. In an interview before training, Van Duc expressed his hope to train well and compete for a starting position. The 1996-born player scored a beautiful long-range goal against Buriram, contributing to Hanoi Police FC's victory in their opening match of the Southeast Asian tournament.

The women's national team is going to Europe for training.

This afternoon (August 30th), VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan visited and encouraged the entire women's national football team (currently training at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center) before their departure for training in the Czech Republic. Also present were VFF Vice President Nguyen Xuan Vu, VFF General Secretary Duong Nghiep Khoi, and representatives from various VFF departments.

VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan emphasized that football in developing countries is currently evolving in many ways, especially the changes in the Philippines, therefore Vietnamese women's football needs to make appropriate adjustments. According to the plan, the VFF has contacted European countries to organize training camps and provide support for the national team, preparing them for 2025.

Before departure, VFF leaders wished the members good health and hoped they would have a quality training trip, meeting the professional requirements.

Coach Mai Duc Chung and his team will play three friendly matches abroad on September 4th against Red Bull Leipzig (Germany), September 8th against FK Pardubice (Czech Republic), and September 11th against Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic).

The Vietnamese women's national team's flight will depart at 3:30 AM on September 1st from Noi Bai International Airport.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-tap-buoi-dau-pho-tuong-thanh-luong-ra-mat-hlv-kim-sang-sik-185240830200621453.htm