As Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) nears its final decision on the new head coach for the Vietnam National Football Team, Mai Duc Chung, Vice Chairman of the National Coaches Council, has openly discussed the potential appointment of Kim Sang Sik.
During a televised interview, Chung expressed mixed sentiments about the South Korean coach’s suitability for the role, given his tumultuous tenure at Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. “A coach must be adaptable to any environment,” Chung stated. “Whether Mr. Kim Sang Sik can adjust his approach to fit our national team is yet to be seen. His time at Jeonbuk, if unchanged, might not align with our footballing needs.”
Kim’s relationship with Jeonbuk’s fans soured despite previous successes, including several league titles. Tensions escalated with fan protests and deteriorating team performance, culminating in Kim’s resignation in 2023 after supporters blocked the team’s bus—a reaction to his policy of limited communication.
Chung, reflecting on the recent challenges faced by former coach Philippe Troussier, emphasized that the new coach must resonate with the cultural and sporting ethos of Vietnam. Troussier’s tenure saw unprecedented fan backlash, highlighting the critical nature of public and player relations.
“The candidate must align with Vietnamese culture, the people, and our football. Our players are not the biggest or strongest, and our game cannot rely solely on long balls because our technical ability to protect the ball under pressure isn’t strong,” Chung explained.
He suggested that Vietnam’s playing style needs flexibility—”sometimes long, sometimes short passes, adaptable to various opponents.”
Chung’s comments underline the importance of a strategic fit. “If we’re slow, we must be solid,” he advised, advocating for a careful selection process to ensure the best possible coach for Vietnam’s football ambitions.
The National Coaches Council, with Chung’s input, will play a crucial role in advising VFF during the final selection, aiming to appoint a coach who not only strategizes wins but also fosters growth and stability within the team.
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