Tuoi Tre Online exclusively interviewed and interacted with coach Kim Sang Sik - Graphics: AN BINH
- What do you usually reward yourself with after each title you win?
I also need to think carefully about this issue. (Laughs). Actually, seeing the fans happy about the team's achievements, I am happy enough.
- This U23 Southeast Asian championship achievement is very close to the National Day celebration, do you want to send any message to the Vietnamese people?
With this championship (the third consecutive time), I would like to thank the Vietnamese players and fans. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day, I would like to congratulate the Vietnamese people, wishing everyone further development and success.
Coach Kim Sang Sik expressed his determination to help U23 Vietnam achieve good results at SEA Games 33 - Photo: DANH KHANG
- You used to worry about young players having few opportunities to play in the V-League. Are you still worried now?
V-League has many good players but they have not had the opportunity to show their full potential. Young players need to try harder to get a position in their clubs. Through this U23 Southeast Asia tournament, I see that they have clearly matured so I believe they will have the opportunity to compete in the domestic tournament.
- What do you think about U23 Thailand, the host of SEA Games 33? Is that the most worrying opponent?
Thailand has home advantage. But other teams, including U23 Vietnam, if they prepare well, have nothing to worry about. We (Vietnam team) also beat Thailand on their home field in the ASEAN Cup. That will be a motivation for the U23 players.
Coach Kim Sang Sik smiled comfortably during the interview - Photo: DANH KHANG
- U23 Vietnam has 2 more important campaigns this year. What are your plans and goals?
Through this tournament, U23 Vietnam has regained its confidence. The coaching staff will continue to monitor the V-League to find new players to strengthen the team.
- In the last minutes of the match, you reacted by putting pressure (bowing) to the referee. What were you really thinking at that time?
It was almost time to end the game, the players were tired and could lose focus. I was a bit excited myself so I thought I had to do something to show the players that I was fighting with them.
That is how I create effective energy for the players. I decided to react to the referee to prolong the match and increase the drama. That is also part of the strategy. At that time, the players have more time to rest and calm down.
Coach Kim Sang Sik interviewed by Tuoi Tre newspaper - Photo: DANH KHANG
- Can you share the secret that helped U23 Vietnam beat host U23 Indonesia and become the champion?
The final match was played away from home, with a large home crowd cheering on, I think the players were somewhat lacking in confidence, which affected their sense of play.
I was also very worried about how to encourage my students. I had to say: "Indonesian fans wear red shirts, Vietnamese fans also wear red shirts, so let's just pretend they are cheering for us."
- Are you surprised that in just 8 months, you brought home 2 Southeast Asian Championship Cups?
I honestly didn't think I could do it. I thank the Vietnamese players and fans.
Throughout the process, my students and I have been persistent and diligent. That is the most important thing that affects the results. As the head coach, I feel extremely happy to lift the cup with the players.
Coach Kim Sang Sk was interviewed next to the Championship Cup - Photo: DANH KHANG
- Do you feel pressured when being compared with coach Park Hang Seo?
I think Coach Park is probably a hero to Vietnamese fans, someone who can bring joy and pride to the Vietnamese people. I admire Coach Park.
With what he has done for Vietnamese football, it is probably very difficult to overcome it. As for me, I will try my best to pursue Mr. Park's achievements. I am very grateful to him for giving me a lot of advice, many tips to guide Vietnamese players better, not only with the national team but also the U23.
- Did you call your daughter?
I was a bit busy this time so I couldn't call my son. We only had time to text. My son is very happy and proud because I helped Vietnamese football win this title. I'm going on vacation soon, which coincides with his birthday, so I'll buy him a present.
Coach Kim Sang Sik and representatives of Tuoi Tre newspaper with the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship Cup - Photo: DANH KHANG
- Have you had any sleep?
I was very tired, so I slept very well last night. This morning I also woke up early to follow the news about U23 Vietnam. This is my habit. I also often watch the highlights of the matches. The Vietnamese commentators commented very happily.
- Please tell us how you feel after winning the 2025 Southeast Asian Championship with the Vietnam U23 team?
I am very happy to win this championship. This is the second trophy that my players and I have brought to Vietnamese football. I am very proud of the players. Through this tournament, I see that they have matured a lot, and will be even better in the upcoming campaigns.
10:30 , Tuoi Tre Online presented flowers to congratulate Coach Kim Sang Sik. The interview began.
Representative of Tuoi Tre newspaper presents flowers to coach Kim Sang Sik - Photo: ANH KHANG
Previously, the U23 Vietnam team defeated host U23 Indonesia 1-0 in the final match of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship held on the evening of July 29 in Jakarta. Thereby, U23 Vietnam entered the history of the tournament with three consecutive championships.
After the journey to the championship, it was not until the night of July 30 that Mr. Kim Sang Sik and U23 Vietnam returned to Hanoi . This morning, the Korean strategist was present at the headquarters of the Vietnam Football Federation in Hanoi to answer interviews and interact with Tuoi Tre readers.
For coach Kim Sang Sik personally, this is also a memorable tournament as he first led the Vietnam U23 team.
More specifically, within just 8 months, Mr. Kim has twice brought Vietnamese football to the top of the region. Previously, coach Kim Sang Sik led the Vietnamese team to win the 2024 ASEAN Cup after defeating host Thailand 3-2 in the second leg of the final.
Not only for Vietnamese football, Coach Kim Sang Sik also created a memorable milestone when he became the first foreign coach in Southeast Asia to win the Southeast Asian U23 Championship and the Southeast Asian Championship (ASEAN Cup).
Coach Kim Sang Sik lifted the championship trophy with U23 Vietnam - Photo: ANH KHOA
In 2025, Coach Kim Sang Sik will have two very important tasks: participating with U22 Vietnam in the qualifying round of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship taking place in September in Vietnam.
In December, coach Kim Sang Sik's team will have the important task of achieving the goal of winning a gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand.
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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hlv-kim-sang-sik-tiet-lo-chuyen-vi-sao-lay-trong-tai-20250730224156578.htm
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