Coach Kim Sang Sik takes responsibility, points out the reason for the heavy loss to Malaysia

Coach Kim Sang Sik said that the loss of key defenders and players not being in good physical condition caused the Vietnamese team to lose 0-4 to Malaysia.

"As the head coach, I feel sorry for the Vietnamese fans. They traveled a long way to watch the team play, as well as all the fans watching the match on television.

In the first half of the match, we were still able to deploy the team as planned, but then with the injuries of 2 defensive players, the team had difficulty deploying the team. I think that was probably one of the reasons for the team's defeat," coach Kim Sang Sik commented on the 0-4 loss to Malaysia .

Coach Kim Sang Sik encourages his students. Photo: Ho Hai Hoang

"Although we tried to analyze as much as possible, all five naturalized players of the opponent performed better than we expected today. And it is true that the Vietnamese team struggled when facing Malaysia. But we will use the experience of this defeat to prepare well for the rematch," the Korean strategist added.

In addition to admitting that Malaysia is much stronger thanks to naturalized players, coach Kim Sang Sik also said that the Vietnamese players are not in the best physical condition. Regarding the decision to put Quang Hai and Tien Linh on the bench, Mr. Kim said: "Our initial plan was that if the team tried to defend in the first half to avoid conceding a goal, then in the second half, players like Quang Hai and Tien Linh could have a chance to score. However, due to some injuries to the defensive players, we could not play according to the plan."

Vietnam team is helpless against Malaysia. Photo: Ho Hai Hoang

Despite losing by 4 goals in the first leg, coach Kim Sang Sik still hopes that the Vietnamese team can turn the tables in the second leg, taking place in March 2026.

"I think we need to accept the fact that the Malaysian team is stronger thanks to the new naturalized players. But football always has room for miracles to happen. If we prepare well for the return match, the Vietnamese team still has a chance," said coach Kim Sang Sik.

"The Vietnamese team lost, but I think the players played their best. Football rarely goes according to plan. Although they still have shortcomings, we still have time and will try our best to prepare well for the next match. I know that both the players and Vietnamese football fans are feeling very disappointed because of this unexpected defeat. I realize my responsibility as a head coach," concluded coach Kim Sang Sik.

"We still have a chance to go further because there are many more matches, especially the rematch against Malaysia at home. Malaysia has good players and so does the Vietnam team. I think the problem lies in motivation, we need a stronger spirit when holding the ball, need to unite and work harder," said defender Jason Quang Vinh Pendant.

Video Malaysia 4-0 Vietnam team (Source VTV):

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/hlv-kim-sang-sik-nhan-trach-nhiem-chi-ra-ly-do-thua-dam-malaysia-2410203.html