Coach Kim Sang Sik: U22 Vietnam is busy learning and determining how to play when meeting U22 Laos

Speaking before the opening match of SEA Games 33, coach Kim Sang Sik admitted that the U22 Vietnam team was very busy learning and determining how to play when facing U22 Laos.

Coach Kim Sang Sik of the Vietnam U22 team at the press conference - Photo: NK

On the afternoon of December 2, the press conference before the opening match in Group B of the men's football SEA Games 33 between the U22 Vietnam team and U22 Laos took place at Rajamangala Stadium (Bangkok).

Speaking at the press conference, coach Kim Sang Sik said: "SEA Games 33 is a very important tournament for both U22 Vietnam and U22 Laos. Coach Ha Hyeok Jun has helped U22 Laos become stronger.

Tomorrow (December 3) is the first match, and because there are only three teams in the group, every match is important. We must win to have a chance to advance to the next round. Our concentration for tomorrow must be at its maximum level."

"You and coach Ha Hyeok Jun have led teams against each other many times before. How did that affect your preparation?", the reporter asked.

Coach Kim Sang Sik replied: "I beat him 2-0 in the last match (final qualifying round of Asian Cup 2027 - PV), but Coach Ha Hyeok Jun clearly created an influence for U22 Laos, both in team organization and playing style.

I really respect his ability. And we have been very busy recently to learn and determine how to play when meeting U22 Laos."

"The gap between Vietnamese football and Laos is still far, what do you expect from this first SEA Games participation?"

Coach Kim Sang Sik replied: "Actually, the Vietnamese team has not had very good results in the Asian arena recently. But I believe the Vietnamese team can do better because they have the qualities to achieve many things."

"In the ASEAN region, many countries are very passionate about football and I hope to bring a big wave to develop Southeast Asian football together. We have to be serious with every tournament and the SEA Games is no exception," Mr. Kim added.

Coach Ha Hyeok Jun of Laos U22 at the press conference - Photo: NK

For his part, coach Ha Hyeok Jun said: "We have identified the importance of the tournament to prepare for it. I am confident that we can cause a surprise.

We have prepared everything within our reach. Tomorrow, I just hope the players will give their best, but the result is unpredictable."

Coach Ha Hyeok Jun said he had faced coach Kim Sang Sik four times when Laos and Vietnam met at both the U23 and national team levels.

The results were both losses, but coach Ha Hyeok Jun said he was unlucky in the match where Laos lost 0-2 to Vietnam in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup.

He said: "In the second leg of the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup, we lacked a bit of luck. There were also some technical details, but we will try to change in the match against U22 Vietnam tomorrow."

To get through the group stage, winning 1 and drawing 1 is enough, although it is never easy to get to the semi-finals. We still have 2 players playing in Thailand, they are of high quality and can create a good effect to lead the team to victory," Mr. Ha added.

No team was allowed to practice at Rajamangala Stadium.

The Vietnam U22 team arrived in Thailand on December 1 and had their first training session at RBAC University's football field in the afternoon of the same day.

The U22 Vietnam team as well as the teams in Group A and B will not be able to practice at Rajamangala Stadium before the 33rd SEA Games begins. The reason is to ensure the quality of the grass for the matches in Group A, B, semi-finals and finals.

 

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NGUYEN KHOI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hlv-kim-sang-sik-u22-viet-nam-ban-ron-de-tim-hieu-va-xac-dinh-cach-choi-khi-gap-u22-lao-20251202134036628.htm